Michael Malone reveals message to Bones Hyland after benching
Denver Nuggets guard Bones Hyland was a healthy scratch from the lineup on Wednesday due to a team violation but the rookie bounced back on Friday with his finest performance of the season.
Hyland produced a career-high 24 points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocked shots to lead the Nuggets to a 133-115 win over the Atlanta Hawks. He finished by shooting 8-of-11 from the field, including 4-of-5 from 3-point range.
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone on Wednesday revealed that Hyland was sent home after a violation of team rules but would accompany the team on its three-game road trip. The situation proved to be a learning moment for Hyland.
Malone was proud of how Hyland responded following the benching.
We missed Bones last game. We need him here. I know he is a rookie. I know he was the 26th pick in the first round. I don’t care about any of that. He is a good player. He has helped us win games this year and we’re a better team when Bones Hyland is available and he knows that.
He is back with the team, he learned his lesson and he helps us get a really important road win. I just told him how proud I was of him. A lot of times when things like that happen, you have a choice: Do you feel sorry for yourself? He came in, had a smile on his face and played the right way. We’ll need that every night from Bones Hyland.
Hyland has emerged as a fan favorite in Denver given his outgoing personality and infectious playing style on the court. He has often drawn praise from Malone based on his ability and willingness to bring effort and energy every night off the bench.
The rookie learned from his mistake and quietly moved on. However, his play on Friday was anything but quiet as the Nuggets posted their third win in four games and moved above .500 with the win.
Hyland just wanted to be aggressive from start to finish.
Just me out there going and being aggressive, not waiting to be aggressive. As soon as I check in, my teammates always tell me: ‘Be yourself, play your game and always be aggressive.’ … It was a point of emphasis to myself to be locked in and just go out there and provide whatever I can.
The 26th pick has emerged as a key player for the Nuggets in the second unit this season given his energy and effort. He showed on Friday what he can bring on a nightly basis and the team was certainly glad he was back on the court.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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