“Its Michael, not Mike Malone for you”: Cassidy Hubbarth flustered as Nuggets head coach brusquely tells off NBA reporter for addressing him as Mike during loss vs Blazers

Mike Malone was in no gaming mood as the Nuggets found themselves in a hole ahead of the 4th quarter in their home loss today.

Despite Jokic’s best efforts, the Nuggets were unable to clamp the Blazers, who scored freely in 3 of the 4 periods. Denver had the lead for much of the first half and 3rd quarter. But Damian Lillard turned things around to finish the 3rd period.

Portland came out clear winners on the basis of their superior 3-point shooting. The Nuggets were a bit off the mark compared to their team’s characteristic efficiency from range.

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This was best reflected in Michael Porter Jr’s numbers. The 6’10” forward scored 25 points with his characteristic efficiency on the night. But he was only successful in making 1 of his 8 3-point attempts.

Carmelo Anthony played a crucial role in keeping the Blazers afloat as they found it hard in the initial running. His 4 3-pointers silenced boos from the Nuggets crowd and kept Denver within arm’s length of Portland.

It was invariable that Dame would go off, considering how Jokic has to be played with drop coverage in defense. This matchup is going to be a headache for Nuggets head coach Mike Malone. That wasn’t the only headache on his mind, perhaps, as he answered Cassidy Hubbarth ahead of the 4th quarter.

Mike Malone leaves Cassidy Hubbarth flustered on live TV

ESPN reporter Cassidy Hubbarth conducted the pre-4th quarter interview with Malone in unusual fashion today. They seemed to get off on the wrong foot with him after addressing him as Mike instead of Michael.

Michael Malone apparently doesn’t like being called “Mike Malone”, corrected Cassidy Hubbarth during interview pic.twitter.com/RrnFIxyzUN

— gifdsports (@gifdsports) May 23, 2021

Hubbarth managed to keep composure, apologize at the time and finish the interview off without being thrown off. She barely took any time before addressing this with a tweet of her own. Her tweet contained a gif of a puzzled Jamal Murray expression from the sidelines during today’s game.

When you call Michael Malone Mike…
Sorry coach!! I get it. I’m not Cassie. pic.twitter.com/q9ovbZtctS

— Cassidy Hubbarth (@CassidyHubbarth) May 23, 2021

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