Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone firmly dismissed speculation that his team intentionally rested Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and other key players before facing the Los Angeles Lakers. Addressing the controversy, Malone emphasized that Jokic has played the second-most games in the NBA over the past decade, reinforcing that any absence is due to legitimate injury concerns rather than strategic rest.
“That’s just a bunch of nonsense,” Malone said. “In the last 10 years, Nikola Jokic has played the second-most games in the NBA. None of the players in that top 10 are superstars. If he’s not playing, it’s not because he’s sitting out or needs rest—it’s because he’s hurt. He’s trying to play through things that most wouldn’t. Right now, we have to prioritize what’s best for our team as we push to close out the season.”
The notion that teams rest players before facing the Lakers has gained traction in recent weeks, fueled by circumstantial evidence that fans cite as proof of a larger conspiracy. However, in the Nuggets’ case, Jokic and Murray both missed their second consecutive game due to minor but impactful injuries. Their absence significantly weakened Denver, contributing to their 120-108 loss to the Lakers.
The Lakers were also missing key players, with LeBron James and Rui Hachimura sitting out due to injuries. Despite their absences, Los Angeles secured a crucial home victory, with Luka Doncic leading the charge with 31 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Austin Reaves also delivered an impressive performance, scoring 22 points and adding eight assists.
With this win, the Lakers evened their season series against the Nuggets at 2-2 and moved ahead in the standings, securing the third seed with a 43-25 record. Meanwhile, Denver dropped to fourth with a 44-26 record. The Lakers now prepare for a back-to-back matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, a game that could further impact the tight Western Conference standings.
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