Michael Malone alters rotation, readies for playoffs as Nuggets blow out Timberwolves

Playoff mode activated.

After hinting pregame that he’d alter his rotation Tuesday night against the Timberwolves, Michael Malone followed through, debuting a playoff-ready eight and a half man lineup in the Nuggets’ 133-107 win over the Timberwolves.

The biggest change to Malone’s lineup? No Isaiah Thomas, who found himself out of Denver’s rotation for the first time since his Nuggets debut back on Feb. 13.

“Seventeen (games) to go. We’re 4-4 since the break, 1-3 in our last four,” Malone said. “I’m definitely looking at ways to improve our team and if shortening our rotation is the answer, definitely willing to do that, playing less guys more minutes.”

The lineup change paid dividends, as the Nuggets raced past the Timberwolves with relative ease. Denver led by 10 points at halftime and expanded its lead to 16 after three quarters. The Timberwolves got to within 13 points midway through the fourth, but Denver’s regulars finished off Minnesota in style.

After labeling the Nuggets’ offensive attack as selfish at times over the last two weeks, Denver got back to its brand of basketball. The Nuggets tallied a season-40 assists on 51 field goals. Denver shot an efficient 60 percent from the field and three in one of the Nuggets’ better offensive performances of the last month.

Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 30 points. Paul Millsap added 23, while Nikola Jokic tallied 18 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Monte Morris had one of his better performances in weeks, finishing with 16 points on 6-8 shooting (4-5 from three), five rebounds and six assists. Mason Plumlee recorded seven points and eight rebounds in 21 minutes and finished tied for a team-high in plus-minus (+25) with Millsap.

The Nuggets, who moved to 28-6 at home with the win, host the Mavericks on Thursday.