“Last season was incredible. We have a ring. Who wants more? Let’s go get them! »
Mike Malone heated up Nuggets fans a little in an otherwise very sober ring ceremony. Adam Silver said he was very happy to come and celebrate the first title in Denver’s NBA history, while it was Aaron Gordon who addressed the fans on behalf of the players.
For his part, Nikola Jokic especially observed the champion ring from all angles, among his comrades, while the champion banner took its place on the ceiling of the Ball Arena.
“World Champions”
A ring obviously filled with winks, including the old Nuggets logo, the team’s record (53-29) in the regular season, the player’s name, his number and the mantra of Mike Malone’s squad , “Bring it on”. Denver also added the city’s altitude and the team’s playoff record inside.
The franchise also engraved the terms “World Champions” on the side of the rings, far from the (very long) summer debate launched by sprinter Noah Lyles.
But in the process, Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets quietly dominated the Lakers, Mike Malone however reminding his players that this ring places Denver in the position of the hunted this season.
“The thing we talked about at the start of training camp is that we have to understand that there is now a target on our back every night” thus recalled the technician. “The opponents are preparing to play the world champions. Parity in the NBA has probably never been more important. The density of each conference is enormous. If we add to this parity the fact that we are reigning champions, we can expect to face the best version of each opponent, every night. »
