Michael Malone probably isn’t surprised by the current situation. The Denver Nuggets coach learned firsthand about championship-level defense from his late father, Brendan, who was a longtime assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons during their 1989 and 1990 championship seasons. Brendan Malone was the architect behind “The Jordan Rules,” a defensive strategy that limited Michael Jordan in playoff games, much like Nikola Jokić is currently dominating.
The Pistons’ approach was straightforward – they had Hall of Famer Joe Dumars prevent Jordan from reaching his favorite spots on the court and funneled him into the paint where multiple defenders awaited. This physical, disruptive style wore Jordan down over playoff series, leading to frustration within the Bulls team. Malone can see similarities in how the Minnesota Timberwolves have controlled the defending champion Nuggets in their semifinals series.
Minnesota has not only won key moments in the series but has also taken away Denver’s spirit, reminiscent of the Pistons and Jordan’s Bulls. The Wolves have embraced a defensive mindset that has unsettled their opponents without resorting to excessive physicality, showcasing their talent, coaching, and toughness.
The Wolves’ defense has been instrumental in their success, reminiscent of Detroit and Chicago’s championship teams. This type of defensive strategy, even without the extreme physicality of the past, still has relevance in today’s game, as seen in Minnesota’s impressive performance against talented offensive teams. Defense remains a crucial aspect of basketball, and the Wolves have demonstrated its importance in their playoff run.
Required Reading
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