Michael Malone - Denver Nuggets v Phoenix Suns - Game Six
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - Head coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the first quarter in game six of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on May 11, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

After Denver's tight 108-103 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in the second Western Conference Finals game on Thursday evening, Nuggets coach Mike Malone voiced his displeasure with the national media narrative circulating for the past few days.

"You win Game 1 of the playoffs, and all everybody talked about was the Lakers. Let's be honest, that was a national narrative: The Lakers were fine. They're down 1-0 but they figured something out. No one talked about that Nikola had a historic performance," the 51-year-old mentor said.

Before the game, Malone was already taking shots at media narratives, saying that it was the first time he's ever been in a series up 1-0, and the series was over in everybody's eyes due to Lakers forward Rui Hachimura guarding Nikola Jokic for six possessions.

The Nuggets coach continued to praise his star Jokic, stating that he has been incredible on a nightly basis on the biggest stage.

Nikola Jokic Continues to Make History

Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic has been rewriting the history books almost every game in this playoffs. In the Game 2 victory, he dropped 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 assists en route to another triple-double.

He has now tied Wilt Chamberlain for most triple-doubles in a single postseason run. Jokic is also the first player in the history of the NBA to put up four consecutive 20-point triple-doubles in the playoffs.

The Western Conference Finals shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Saturday.