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The Western Conference is wide open this season, which gives the Denver Nuggets their best chance to reach The Finals in franchise history.

“I think given the state of the West, there’s enormous pressure on this team right now,” said Zach Lowe on his podcast of the Nuggets.

“I don’t know if it’s championship or bust, but if this team loses before the conference finals, it’s going to be a disappointment. If they lose in the first round, it’s going to be a catastrophe that I think will push some potential changes.”

Later in the conversation with Adam Mares, Lowe directly said he was alluding to Michael Malone regarding potential changes.

“This is the year where Michael Malone, I think, is facing an enormous amount of pressure,” said Mares.

“That’s kind of what I was alluding to,” replied Lowe.