Nuggets' Malone wishes Porter aired frustrations internally

Ahead of Friday's win-or-go-home Game 5, Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone voiced his displeasure over Michael Porter's public demand to be more involved offensively.

"Obviously during the playoffs, the last thing you want is any type of a distraction, and if those frustrations are there for Michael - or for anybody - it is much better to keep those conversations internal, in the locker room, and amongst ourselves," Malone told reporters, including Mike Singer of The Denver Post.

Following the Nuggets' 96-85 Game 4 loss, Porter said his club was getting too "predictable" and needed to spread the ball around instead of relying mostly on Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

Denver's star duo combined for 38 of the team's 68 field-goal attempts in Game 4.

Malone said his club has collectively talked about Porter's comments, according to Singer.

Porter has shined during his time in the bubble, averaging 22 points and 8.6 boards to earn All-Seeding Games second-team honors. However, the postseason has been an up-and-down journey for the 22-year-old, whose numbers have dropped to 12.1 points and 7.1 boards per contest.