Nuggets’ Malone gets extension

The Denver Nuggets have signed coach Michael Malone to a contract extension through the 2022-23 season.

Malone has steadily helped build the Nuggets into a Western Conference contender since taking over in 2015-16. Denver advanced to the second round of the playoffs last season.

“His tireless work ethic and passion are clearly reflected in the continued improvement of our roster,” Nuggets president of of basketball operations Tim Connelly said Tuesday in a statement. “We are all extremely excited for him to continue to lead our team as we try to build a championship level organization.”

Malone guided the Nuggets to 33 wins in his first season at the helm. They jumped to 40 wins, then 46 and 54 last season, including the league’s best home record. Denver is off to a 21-8 start this season behind the play of versatile big man Nikola Jokic and point guard Jamal Murray.

In other news:

Luka Doncic of the Mavericks went through his first full practice since spraining his right ankle on Dec. 14.

“I don’t know what his status will be for Thursday, but he’ll certainly be upgraded,” coach Rick Carlisle told reporters. “He’s doing well. We’ll see how he feels (Wednesday) and then Thursday we’ll see what’s-what, but things are looking better and better.”

After practice Tuesday, Doncic spoke to reporters for the first time since his injury.

“I feel good,” he said. “We’ll see how I progress and we’ll see if I play (Thursday).”