Nuggets share wholesome locker room moment after Michael Malone makes history

The Nuggets got a big win in LA on Saturday night over the Lakers 127-102 behind a big effort from Nikola Jokic. The win improved Denver to 9-6 on the season and they’ve now beaten the Lakers in 13 of their last 14 matchups, including the playoffs.

It was a big win for the team, bouncing back from a tough home loss to the Mavericks on Friday night. It has been nice to see the Nuggets completely dominate the Lakers in recent years as Jokic got the best of Anthony Davis in what has become a recurring trend.

But beyond the utility of a big road win against a conference rival, this game held some extra weight for Michael Malone and the franchise.

Michael Malone becomes franchise’s all-time wins leader

With the victory, Michael Malone achieved his 433rd as head coach of the Nuggets, passing Doug Moe for the most all time. Malone arrived in Denver almost 10 years ago and with help from some great players, he has turned the franchise into one of the best in the league.

It has been a great run and he deserves more credit than he receives for building a culture of stability in a place where NBA basketball never came first. It’s an amazing accomplishment and when it’s all said and done, Malone will get his rightful recognition as one of the greatest figures in Nuggets history.

Nuggets surprise Malone with impromptu shower

In the long grind of an NBA season, it can be hard to stop and smell the flowers. But it was nice to see the Nuggets stop and take a moment for an impromptu celebration after Malone’s landmark. The team was waiting for their coach in the locker room following the victory with DeAndre Jordan waiting behind a door to surprise him with an ice bath.

Malone stormed in to greet his team and was met with a shower of water and ice from Jordan and the rest of the players. It was a nice wholesome team moment that showed the camaraderie and the bond they have formed.

We don’t often get to see these fun glimpses of the team - and especially Malone - letting their guard down and just enjoying the moment. It was a nice change of pace and a breath of fresh air. The season will have plenty of ups and downs, and this will likely be forgotten soon enough, but it was a great moment for all of Nuggets nation.