Nuggets' Michael Malone Trolled Officials With Perfect Nikola Jokic Comment

Tim Capurso | Apr 30, 2024

Nuggets coach Michael Malone made a tongue-in-cheek comment about Nikola Jokic's lack of free throw attempts during Monday's win over the Lakers. / Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

For all intents and purposes, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic played a perfect game in his team's 108-106 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, which advanced Denver to the second round of the NBA Playoffs, on Monday night at Ball Arena.

Well, almost perfect.

The two-time MVP somehow didn't attempt a single free throw in Monday's game, something that was not lost on Nuggets coach Michael Malone.

But rather than make a critical comment that would ultimately result in a costly phone call from the league office, Malone opted instead for a clever quip, mentioning Jokic's perfect percentage at the charity stripe to reporters during his postgame press conference.

“And I'll tell you, I mean, Nikola," said Malone, tongue-in-cheek. "25, 20 and 9. And, uh, the most amazing stat was that he was 0/0 [from the free throw line]. Did not miss a free throw.”

Tremendous troll job from Malone. He managed to perfectly critique the officials' lack of attention towards Jokic, who attempted 21 shots, in the most innocent way possible. That is how you avoid a fine. Take notes, coaches and managers everywhere.