Michael Malone

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Malone's time in Denver began on June 15, 2015. In his first major playoff test during the 2019 Bubble, he guided the Nuggets to a historic comeback, becoming the first team in league history to overcome multiple 3–1 deficits in a single postseason by defeating the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers. Despite falling short that year against the eventual champion Lakers, Malone secured a contract extension on March 23, 2022, setting the stage for the following season. In 2022–23, the Nuggets dominated the Western Conference from December 20 onward, earning Malone his second All-Star coaching gig in five years. The team swept the Lakers in the Conference Finals, marking the first postseason sweep in franchise history, before facing the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.

In Their Own Story

The 2023 Finals presented a stark challenge when Game 5 began with Denver shooting a historically poor 6.7% from three-point range in the first half and committing 10 turnovers. The Nuggets also missed 10 of their first 19 free throws while trailing by 10 points. Yet, Malone's team fought back to take an 83–76 lead with 4:43 remaining in the fourth quarter, ultimately winning 94–89 at home to clinch the franchise's first championship title. Nikola Jokić was named Finals MVP. Malone continued to build history on November 24, 2024, recording his 433rd win with the Nuggets against the Lakers, surpassing Doug Moe for the most wins in team history. His tenure ended abruptly on April 8, 2025, following four consecutive losses; he was fired just 79 games into the season, tying the record for the latest in-season change by any team in NBA history.

Reader's Guide

To understand Malone's impact on Denver, one must look at his specific playoff achievements and the milestones he reached. He led the Nuggets to the second seed in the West in 2019 with a 54–28 record before their famous 3–1 comebacks. His coaching style was tested in the 2023 Finals where, despite shooting struggles from deep (37.6% average entering Game 5), his team secured the title. He became the first coach to guide Denver to a Finals appearance and the first to secure a playoff series sweep for the franchise. His legacy includes surpassing Doug Moe's win total in November 2024. However, his final season ended in controversy when he was dismissed on April 8, 2025, after four straight losses, making him the latest-coach fired from a team that had previously made the playoffs.

Did You Know?

• Malone became the first Nuggets coach to record a postseason series sweep, which occurred against the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2023 Conference Finals.
• In the 2019 NBA Bubble, Malone led the Nuggets to become the first team in league history to overcome multiple 3–1 deficits in a single postseason.
• On November 24, 2024, Malone recorded his 433rd win with the Nuggets, surpassing Doug Moe for the most wins in franchise history.
• Malone was fired on April 8, 2025, just 79 games into the season, tying the record for the latest in-season coaching change by any team in NBA history.