VIDEO: Brian Shaw Blames Himself for Loss to Kings

Nov 5, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Brian Shaw during a timeout against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

If you thought Denver Nuggets head coach Brian Shaw sounded disappointed when he met with members of the media following his team’s loss to Sacramento on Monday night, well, you might not want to watch the video above. Shaw took questions from the media on the heels of Denver’s blowout loss to the Kings last night and he looked like there were a million other places he’d rather be.

To his credit, Shaw refused to lay the blame for the loss on the shoulders of his players, saying instead that he was the one to blame and that he needs to do a better job of going to his bench when the starters are struggling so the team can end opponents’ runs before they build a big lead. He acknowledged that the team has gotten off to slow starts in every game this season and admits his staff needs to find a way to address that.

Coach gave his bench players credit for showing heart and coming into the game with an intensity that the starters weren’t showing early, and he indicates that the guys “who want to show professional pride” on the court will get bigger minutes. That sure sounds like a warning shot fired in the direction of the starting five, but it remains to be seen if Shaw is actually willing to follow through on that threat. I mean, Ty Lawson has struggled as much as anyone so far this season with the exception of his big game against OKC. Can you honestly imagine Shaw benching Lawson and giving Nate Robinson the start at point to send a message? I just don’t see it happening. I’d LIKE to see it happen so some of these guys can wake up and play, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

Shaw also reiterates the story I highlighted earlier about DeMarcus Cousins talking smack at the Nuggets bench, and not a single player doing anything to silence the Kings big man, whether it be with a verbal response or action on the court. Honestly, that still bugs me more than anything else coming out of this loss.