The Denver Nuggets, mired in a four-game losing streak as the NBA playoffs approach, made the shock decision to fire head coach Michael Malone on Tuesday, just six days before the end of the regular season.
Malone led the Nuggets to the NBA title in 2023, but despite the exploits of three-time Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets have struggled for consistency this season.
They currently sit fourth in a tight Western Conference race with four teams just a half-game behind them.
"The Denver Nuggets have relieved head coach Michael Malone of his duties and will not extend general manager Calvin Booth," the Nuggets said in a statement, adding that assistant coach David Adelman will assume head coaching duties for the remainder of the season.
General Manager Calvin Booth has also been fired.
The Nuggets have three games remaining in the regular season, which concludes on Sunday.