Coach knows importance of keeping Denver players fresh

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.» After a demanding December with 10 road games, the Nuggets’ January schedule appears manageable. Saturday’s game against the Kings followed by Monday’s matchup at Golden State marks Denver’s only multicity road trip this month.

But Denver also has four sets of three games in four nights, including this northern California trip after Friday’s home win over Utah. Plus, the Nuggets are nearing the midway point of the season.

To combat physical fatigue, coach Michael Malone is “always communicating” with director of sports medicine Steve Short about the best ways to utilize days off and game days.

“I don’t always agree with (Short),” Malone said with a smile, “but I’m not a sports scientist. I don’t know what’s best for our players. Less is more this time of year … the more I can keep them off their feet and keep them fresh is only going to allow us to play better as we approach midseason or the second half of the season.”

“Great memories” for Malone. Malone somewhat sarcastically referred to his “great memories” in Sacramento before Saturday’s game, after the Kings surprisingly fired him during the 2014 season.

But he also wasn’t in the arena the last time his Nuggets played in Sacramento on Nov. 20, because of a one-game suspension for his behavior toward the officials in Denver’s previous game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Assistant Wes Unseld Jr. served as Denver’s interim coach for the Nuggets’ 114-98 victory.

“I told Wes he should come out and do the pregame media (obligations),” Malone said. “It worked well for us last game. Obviously, that’s something I hope never happens again. I never want to not be out there with my team and helping them win a game.”

Halftime messages “honest and direct.” The Nuggets have become a strong third-quarter team, outscoring Utah and Phoenix a combined 75-34 in that frame before Saturday’s game against the Kings.

What takes place in the halftime locker room? A “very honest and direct message” about defense and preventing turnovers, Malone said. Coaches also show a series of video clips, with Malone estimating between 75 and 80 percent of them focusing on defensive breakdowns because of a lack of individual discipline or a need to change collective coverages.

“Our guys understand the importance of coming out and kind of getting back in the game,” Malone said.

Gina Mizell: gmizell@denverpost.com or @ginamizell