NBA: Coach Malone asks Nuggets to play like defending champions

DENVER — After a difficult-to-watch film session of their Monday night meltdown against Minnesota and an energetic practice Wednesday, Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone gave his team a stinging reminder and made a request. “Guys, we’re the reigning world champions,” Malone said. “Act like it and play like it.” They did neither in their 108-80