• Michael Malone, the head coach of the Denver Nuggets, used an interesting motivational tactic to spark his team's Game 3 win against the Phoenix Suns in the NBA playoffs. Malone showed his players a video of their past playoff failures, specifically their blown 3-1 lead against the Utah Jazz in the 2020 postseason, to remind them of the importance of closing out games.
• The Nuggets responded to Malone's approach, as they came out with a sense of urgency and intensity in Game 3, leading to a 97-87 victory. Nuggets star Nikola Jokić praised Malone's decision, saying it was a "wake-up call" for the team and helped them realize the gravity of the situation they were facing.
• Malone's strategy was a calculated risk, as reminding players of past failures could have backfired and demoralized the team. However, the Nuggets responded positively, and the coach's unconventional approach appears to have paid off, as it helped his team regain their focus and secure an important win in the series.