During recent losses to the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, two teams the Nuggets might well have to beat in the playoffs in order to hoist the championship trophy in June, it has become blatantly clear that rival coaches disrespect Denver’s ability to shoot from beyond the three-point arc or even consistently nail mid-range jumpers under duress.
The strategy is about as subtle as how the Lilliputians took down Gulliver back in the day. Teams are not only swarming Jokic with two and sometimes three defenders, they’re stinging him, scratching and clawing the Nuggets center, unashamed to draw blood on his arms in a cynical attempt to rattle his composure.
Malone was asked if refs tend to turn a blind eye when smaller defenders treat Jokic like a punching bag.
“Next question,” replied Malone, biting his tongue to avoid a fine from the league office. “I appreciate the question, I really do. There are so many things I want to say. If you guys want to start a GoFundMe …”

DEN: Nuggets dig out of early hole, defeat Sacramento Kings' copycat defensive strategy
Vinny Benedetto, Denver Gazette

DEN: Westbrook isn’t discouraged by Nuggets’ opponents loading up on Nikola Jokic
Bennett Durando, Denver Post

DEN: Nuggets triumph in Nikola Jokic’s rest minutes to complete 14-point comeback win over Kings
Bennett Durando, Denver Post

DET: Harden's 50 for Clippers scuttles Pistons
Omari Sankofa II, Free Press

GSW: The Warriors as title contenders? It’s not crazy to believe
Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News

GSW: Adding credibility to Warriors’ title hopes: They might lead NBA in basketball IQ
Scott Ostler, SF Chronicle

GSW: How have the Warriors changed with Jimmy Butler? Here are 10 observations
Sam Gordon, SF Chronicle

LAC: James Harden scores season-high 50 points in Clippers’ win over Pistons
Law Murray, The Athletic

LAC: Harden scores 50 points in Clippers’ victory over Pistons
Broderick Turner, LA Times

LAL: LeBron James still shows no signs of dropping from the elite ranks
Dan Woike, LA Times

LAL: Doncic has thrust the Lakers into the championship conversation
Gary Washburn, Boston Globe

MIA: Inside Adebayo’s offensive renaissance, and his interesting assessment of the situation
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald