Nuggets' head coach reveals his part in shocking game 2 blowout
Context:
The Denver Nuggets suffered a significant defeat against one of the NBA's top teams, losing 149-106, which their head coach, David Adelman, acknowledged as one of their worst performances of the season. Adelman criticized his team's lack of intensity compared to their opponents, emphasizing the need for improvement and refusing to dismiss the loss lightly. Nikola Jokić led the Nuggets with 17 points but fouled out in the third quarter, highlighting the team's struggle when playing without their star player. Despite the loss, Aaron Gordon noted the team's success in securing home court advantage as the series is now tied 1-1. Adelman remarked on the opponent's strength not just in their starting lineup but also in their depth and energy, describing them as a versatile and relentless team capable of attacking in various ways.
Dive Deeper:
Head coach David Adelman openly criticized the Denver Nuggets' performance in their 149-106 loss, stating that the team was 'punked' due to a lack of intensity and that they need to improve significantly.
Nikola Jokić was the leading scorer for the Nuggets with 17 points, but his impact was limited as he fouled out in the third quarter, which underscored the difficulty the team faces when he is not on the court.
The loss was described as one of the worst games of the season for the Nuggets, and Adelman emphasized that they cannot simply disregard the defeat but must learn and grow from it.
Despite the loss, the series is now tied at 1-1, and the Nuggets have achieved their objective of securing home court advantage for the next games, as pointed out by Aaron Gordon.
Adelman highlighted the opponent's depth and versatility, mentioning that their strength lies not only in their starting lineup but also in their bench players, such as Caruso, who bring energy and different play styles.
The coach expressed the challenge of maintaining performance during rotations, particularly during Nikola Jokić's rest periods, as the team's strategy heavily relies on him.
Game 3 is scheduled to take place in Denver, and the coach is preparing the team to withstand the opponent's relentless style of play that attacks from multiple angles.
The Denver Nuggets played one of their worst games of the season against one of the NBA’s best teams.
Head coach David Adelman knows that, and was quick to point out his team’s flaws after an embarrassing 149-106 loss.
“We got punked. They came out with the right intensity and we didn’t…we aren’t just going to flush this.” Adelman said.
“We have to be better and we know that.”
David Adelman’s initial reaction to the Game 2 loss.
“We got punked. They came out with the right intensity and we didn’t…we aren’t just going to flush this.”
“We have to be better and we know that.” pic.twitter.com/QEYiQysSsH— Katy Winge (@katywinge) May 8, 2025 Nikola Jokić led the Nuggets with 17 points, but fouled out in the third quarter.
“I think for these guys, sometimes it’s hard when you rotate them in, and it’s Nikola’s (rest) minutes,” Adelman said, “and you’re saying, ‘Hey, go make an impact,’ when our whole system is based around playing through him.”
The series is now split at 1-1 heading to Denver. Still, the Nuggets were less than satisfied with how the second game of the series went.
"Obviously, we didn't like the outcome of this game, but we did what we came here to do and that was get home court." Aaron Gordon said.
Game 3 of the series is set for 7 p.m. PST on Friday.
"It's not the first punch, I think, with this team. It's when they rotate guys in," Adelman said. "You have to take a couple punches early. It's not just their starting five that is so exceptional. It's the energy of Caruso, the different ways they can go. ... This is not a top-heavy team. This is a 'come at you in a million different ways' kind of team."