BREAKING NEWS: Nuggets’ Interim Coach Brutally Slammed for Making a Risky Payout Mistake that Will Likely Hinder Playoff Success…
Game 2 was already out of hand, yet Denver Nuggets interim coach David Adelman made a puzzling gamble that brought no benefits.
Within just nine minutes, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder had overwhelmed the Nuggets, building a 20-point lead that would balloon to 31 by halftime. The Thunder looked unstoppable, cruising toward a projected 180-point night after the first quarter.
Having already stolen homecourt advantage, Denver had every reason to rest their exhausted core. Their rotation has been stretched thin, especially after a grueling seven-game battle with the Clippers. Preserving their legs for a crucial Game 3 back in Denver would’ve been the logical move.
Instead, Adelman kept his top players on the floor well into a blowout third quarter that was not only physically draining but increasingly heated. Why? Denver, hanging on by a thread physically, didn’t need more mileage. They needed relief.
Michael Porter Jr. is battling through what appears to be a serious arm issue. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray have been relentlessly targeted by Oklahoma City’s relentless defense and are logging over 40 minutes nightly. Aaron Gordon’s calf has only recently healed, and Russell Westbrook is 36 and not built for this kind of pace anymore.
Any more injuries, and Denver’s already-thin title hopes could vanish. So what was the reasoning behind playing Jokic and Murray 30+ minutes in a game that was essentially decided before halftime?
Adelman’s decision to ride his starters made little sense. Jokic, visibly frustrated and worn out, was still on the floor until he fouled out with just over a minute left in the third quarter—by then, Denver trailed by 41.
In the postgame press conference, Adelman said he wanted his starters to “find their rhythm.” But if rhythm was the goal, wouldn’t it have made more sense to give valuable minutes to young bench players like Julian Strawther, Peyton Watson, or Jalen Pickett? They’re the ones who could benefit most from experience and confidence.
While Adelman has impressed with his tactical acumen, this moment highlighted his inexperience. He missed a clear opportunity to protect his players and prepare for the rest of the series.
Yes, Denver took Game 1 and grabbed homecourt. But they could have gained something just as valuable—rest. To win this series and chase a Finals berth, they’ll need fresh legs and healthy bodies. Adelman’s misstep risked both.
He’s done an excellent job overall—but in this case, he unnecessarily pushed an already strained roster, and it could come back to haunt the Nuggets.
