Nuggets Fire Malone; Timberwolves Secure Playoff Spot

Michael Malone, the most successful coach in Denver Nuggets history, was unexpectedly fired despite leading the team to a 2023 championship and a 471-327 regular-season record. This decision came with just three games left in the season, and Malone expressed gratitude to the team and fans for his tenure. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a top-six playoff seed after Anthony Edwards scored 43 points in a pivotal win over the Utah Jazz. The Timberwolves' playoff position will be finalized based on the outcomes of other Western Conference games. Despite the team's inconsistent season, head coach Chris Finch's job seems secure unless there's a significant playoff failure. Minnesota's potential playoff matchups include facing the Denver Nuggets or the Los Angeles Lakers, depending on other results.