Nikola Jokic Reportedly 'Frustrated' by Nuggets' Defense Before Michael Malone Firing

Nikola Jokić typically manages to keep a level head on the court, but the Denver Nuggets star was reportedly "frustrated" with his team's defense this season leading up to Michael Malone's firing.

Per The Athletic's Tony Jones, Sam Amick and Zach Powell, the three-time MVP "has been frustrated" with Denver's "defensive commitment and performance this season."

The Nuggets have managed to stay near the top of the Western Conference standings all year, but their defense has been nothing to marvel at. Denver ranks 20th in defensive rating, per NBA.com. No other team in the bottom 10 in defensive rating is currently in playoff position.

The Nuggets' defensive flaws have been especially apparent in their last four games. Despite Jokić averaging 45 points, 12.3 rebounds and 10.7 assists this month, Denver is on a four-game losing skid at the most important time of the year.

The Nuggets are still in fourth place in the West, but they're just half a game ahead of the eight-seeded Memphis Grizzlies, meaning failure to come away with a few wins over the final three games of the season could result in a play-in tournament appearance and potentially a playoff absence.

Denver has not missed the postseason since 2018.

Whether firing Malone will help solve the Nuggets' issues moving forward remains to be seen, but Denver's defense during the regular season likely won't cut it against top teams in the playoffs.

The Nuggets fired Malone and general manager Calvin Booth with just three games left this season. The firing of Malone is tied for the latest coaching change in NBA history.

Malone, who took over as Denver's head coach ahead of the 2015-16 season, led the team to its first championship in franchise history just two years ago and is the Nuggets' all-time leader in wins.

Assistant coach David Adelman will take over as Denver's interim head coach for the remainder of the year.