Game 7: Denver Nuggets (5-1) @ Chicago Bulls (2-5) - 8:00 PM ET

[THE J0KER]

Moreso than Jokic's minutes total I'm rather annoyed that Malone still subs Jokic out in critical possessions "for defense", and then subs Plumlee out on the offensive possession.

Whether you like to admit it or no, Plumlee defends the rim/paint better than Jokic. Malone is doing the right thing

That strategy is ridiculous, without any sense. Period.

Nikola Jokic is Denver best rebounder and 2nd best FT% shooter and also is able to do "quarterback passes" across the court. On another hand, Plumlee is Nuggets by far worst FT% shooter (32% this season so far, 45% last season), so Plumlee being on the court when opponent trying to catch up Denver lead in last minute of the game is a dumb move.

In some cases, it is even childish from Malone, like for example at the end of 1st haves, or when Denver has the relatively comfortable lead, like against vs Pelicans when Malone sits Jokic at the 8pts lead just 13 seconds before the end of the game!? What Malone tried with that subs?

[RRFB]

In some cases, it is even childish from Malone, like for example at the end of 1st haves, or when Denver has the relatively comfortable lead, like against vs Pelicans when Malone sits Jokic at the 8pts lead just 13 seconds before the end of the game!? What Malone tried with that subs?

He does this to protect Jokic from picking up a meaningless late foul. Coaches do this kind of thing all the time. Knowing Jokic's tendency to pick up dumb frustration fouls, that's smart not childish.

I guess I don't understand the complaints about Jokic's minutes. This was the first game of a back-to-back. We all know his body and conditioning are below par for the rest of league. Keeping him fresh early in the season should be a priority. Plumlee is one of the better backup C's and he has played really well. I don't always agree with the offense/defense subs late in the game, but I understand why Malone does it.

[NuggetsWY]

In some cases, it is even childish from Malone, like for example at the end of 1st haves, or when Denver has the relatively comfortable lead, like against vs Pelicans when Malone sits Jokic at the 8pts lead just 13 seconds before the end of the game!? What Malone tried with that subs?

He does this to protect Jokic from picking up a meaningless late foul. Coaches do this kind of thing all the time. Knowing Jokic's tendency to pick up dumb frustration fouls, that's smart not childish.

I guess I don't understand the complaints about Jokic's minutes. This was the first game of a back-to-back. We all know his body and conditioning are below par for the rest of league. Keeping him fresh early in the season should be a priority. Plumlee is one of the better backup C's and he has played really well. I don't always agree with the offense/defense subs late in the game, but I understand why Malone does it.

Jokic's conditioning has improved over the last two years and in last night's game, on a couple of occasions he sprinted back on defense - even when he'd been in the game for a while. "Out of shape" was his rookie year. It's not a serious issue now from what I can see.

"Meaningless fouls" is another thing and one I'm sick of hearing.
2.6 fouls per game his rookie year
2.9 fouls per game his sophomore year
2.8 fouls per game last year
3.4 fouls per game this year