DENVER, April 8 - In a surprising decision, the Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Michael Malone and will not extend the contract of general manager Calvin Booth, just days before the postseason begins. Following a four-game losing streak and recent struggles, the Nuggets have dropped to fourth place in the Western Conference, sparking the urgent need for change.

David Adelman, previously an assistant, has been named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Vice chairman Josh Kroenke emphasized the difficult nature of this choice, stating, “This decision was not made lightly... with the intention of giving our group the best chance at competing for the 2025 NBA Championship.” Despite winning the NBA title in 2023 and achieving eight consecutive winning seasons under Malone, the Nuggets have struggled recently and are uncertain of securing home-court advantage in the playoffs.

As the franchise’s winningest coach with a record of 471-327 over ten seasons, Malone played a significant role in the Nuggets' success, including their first championship victory last year. However, a poor record since the All-Star break has led to heightened pressure. The team cited an urgent need to address ongoing challenges, including injuries and inconsistent performance, as reasons for the shakeup.

Furthermore, Kroenke acknowledged Booth's contributions to the organization, stating, “Calvin's knowledge of the game... helped lift our organization to new heights.” Booth, general manager since 2020, oversaw the roster that led to the Nuggets’ historic title, and his departure marks a turning point for the franchise.

Star player Nikola Jokic expressed uncertainty about the team’s issues, reflecting the broader confusion as Denver navigates its late-season challenges. As the Nuggets prepare for their remaining three games, the hope is that this coaching change revitalizes the squad's performance in a quest to retain their championship title. The upcoming games against Sacramento and Memphis are critical as they seek to re-establish momentum before the playoffs.

This latest move follows a trend in the NBA, with playoff-bound teams like Memphis also parting ways with their head coach shortly before the postseason. The Nuggets are keen on reversing their fortunes as they aim to solidify their standing and prepare for the playoff battle ahead.

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