David Adelman earned his first victory as interim head coach of the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night, guiding the team to a crucial 124-116 win over the Sacramento Kings. The win snapped a four-game losing streak, providing much-needed momentum with the playoffs on the horizon.
Adelman, who took over after Michael Malone’s dismissal earlier this week, was proud of his team’s ability to stay resilient throughout the game. “They stuck with it,” Adelman said after the game. “I thought we had great energy at the start, and then… we just kept believing.”
Despite a brief run from Sacramento, the Nuggets managed to close out the game with strong performances from key players, including Christian Braun, who led the team with 25 points. Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. each contributed 21 points to the effort.
Nikola Jokic, as expected, had a dominant performance, posting a 32nd triple-double of the season with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. Adelman emphasized Jokic’s unselfish play, noting, “If three people are guarding me, somebody’s open, probably two. He just plays the game that’s given to him.” Jokic’s ability to pass and trust his teammates allowed Denver to make key plays down the stretch.
Adelman also acknowledged the collective spirit of the team, which had been under pressure following a disappointing stretch of losses. “Good spirit with the guys is important because we lost four games in a row,” he said. “We needed a win.” The victory has vital playoff implications, positioning the Nuggets (48-32) to potentially control their postseason fate, tied with the Los Angeles Clippers for the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference.
The game saw a strong start from the Nuggets, who led by as many as 16 points early. Braun’s offensive firepower and the balanced scoring from Gordon, Porter, and Jokic helped the team build a comfortable lead. Even as the Kings surged in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 113-108 with 2:30 remaining, Denver’s defense held strong. Key shots from Jalen Pickett and Jokic’s clutch free throws sealed the victory.
Adelman’s calm leadership was apparent as the game unfolded. When asked about his approach to coaching the team, he explained, “I’ve been talking to the team for eight years, so I didn’t feel like there was a big difference. I’m doing walkthroughs, I’m doing film sessions—all of them on one side of the ball.” His familiarity with the team helped him step into the interim role seamlessly.
Looking ahead, Adelman emphasized that the team’s focus must remain on the upcoming games. “It’s not about me or somebody else feeling better about themselves tonight,” he said. “What’s important is us competing on Friday night.”
The Nuggets now have only two regular-season games remaining, with their playoff destiny still in their hands. For the Kings (39-41), the loss was a setback in their efforts to stay competitive for a playoff spot.
Adelman’s first win as head coach provided a much-needed spark for the Nuggets, who will look to carry this momentum into their final stretch of the regular season.
