As the Denver Nuggets head into the 2025 NBA playoffs, interim head coach David Adelman is ready for his first playoff experience as the team’s leader. Following the unexpected firing of Michael Malone, Adelman took over in the final three regular-season games. Now, he is focused on preparing his squad for what lies ahead.
“We’re going to take tomorrow off, but then it’s all about getting a feel for when the game is. When do we play, when do we practice, and when do we give the guys some time to rest and focus on mental preparation?” Adelman said of the upcoming week. “It’s not just about physical recovery but mental preparation. We need to make sure everyone’s on the same page.”
Adelman remains optimistic about the Nuggets’ trajectory. Despite some rocky moments in their final regular-season games, the coach feels his team is trending in the right direction.
“I think they’re trending the right way,” he shared. “The communication on the court and at halftime has been good, and that’s essential. When things get tough, we need to trust each other, and I saw that in the last three games. Even when Sacramento made a run or Memphis was ahead, we stayed focused and didn’t get distracted. The playoffs are a whole new ballgame.”
Denver’s playoff path starts with the first-round series against the Clippers. But Adelman is not daunted by the challenge, citing the Rockets’ physical play as a helpful precursor to the coming battles.
“You’re right: two great defensive teams in Minnesota and the Clippers. And it’s funny, people ask who we want to play in the first round. Nobody,” Adelman noted. “The West is loaded. You think people want to play Jokic? Murray? The West is what it is. Whoever you’re going to get, it’s going to be a beast.”
One player who’s had a notable impact in recent games is Michael Porter Jr., who found his rhythm against the Rockets with some big shots in the second half. Adelman attributed Porter’s improvement to his resilience.
“Michael’s a really good player, and when he’s not making shots, he finds ways to contribute,” Adelman said. “He ran the floor great in the third quarter and got some easy layups. When you see the ball go in the basket, even if it’s a layup, it changes your mindset.”
Adelman also commended the work ethic of Nikola Jokic, who played in the final game despite it being a meaningless one for the Nuggets’ seeding. The three-time MVP’s commitment to his physical and mental preparation has not gone unnoticed by his coach.
“I’ve been around special players, but I’ve never seen anyone like him,” Adelman said. “His work ethic, how he stays at that level, is just incredible. There’s no wasted seconds, no wasted steps. Jokic’s intensity is a great example for young players everywhere. He’s been dominant for years, and he shows no sign of slowing down.”
As the Nuggets prepare for the playoffs, Adelman is focused on maintaining balance, with special attention to the team’s ball security. In their win over Houston, Denver committed only nine turnovers and registered 28 assists, a crucial stat as the postseason approaches.
“Russ has been really good,” Adelman said about Russell Westbrook’s performance. “He’s been clean with the ball, and the whole team has been. If we stay clean and get shots to the rim, it helps our defensive balance and allows us to execute more effectively.”
Despite the challenges Denver has faced this season, including the coaching change, Adelman is proud of the team’s success.
“Winning 50 games in the NBA is tough. We’ve been doing it like it’s easy—but it’s not,” Adelman said. “To get there again is a huge deal for me and the organization. It’s been eight years, and we did it again.”
With the Nuggets finishing the season with a 50-32 record, they will face the LA Clippers in the first round of the playoffs, with homecourt advantage secured.
