Nuggets coach Michael Malone was the first to point out earlier this month that Russell Westbrook seems to play “a little bit harder” against the Clippers, the veteran point guard’s most recent team before signing with Denver last offseason.
Does the same principle apply to a coach and his ex?
The Nuggets demolished the Kings on Thursday in the first head-to-head meeting between them since Malone sharply criticized Sacramento’s firing of coach Mike Brown. On Dec. 27, Malone publicly chastised his former employer for informing Brown of the decision via phone call after Brown left a team practice.