Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman praised Jamal Murray for his explosive 43-point performance in Game 5 against the Los Angeles Clippers. Murray’s performance led the Nuggets to a commanding 131-115 victory, giving Denver a 3-2 series lead.
Adelman highlighted the team’s improved ball movement and screens, which helped Murray get into a rhythm. “We got him loose better, we screened better, allowed him to play in a rhythm,” Adelman noted. He also credited the team’s overall effort, pointing out that when a player like Murray gets hot, it’s not just the individual; it’s the whole team working together. “It’s a team game,” Adelman said. “When guys get hot, it’s them being hot and being a special player like Jamal.”
The Nuggets took control early, with a 35-point first quarter. Murray shot 17-of-26 from the field, including 8-for-14 from beyond the arc, and added a late steal and dunk to seal the win. Adelman acknowledged that the rhythm Murray found was crucial to the team’s success, especially after battling through a hamstring injury earlier in the season.
When asked about the significance of the win and the team’s resilience, Adelman emphasized the importance of maintaining mental strength. “We had ups and downs. We had injuries. We had guys in and out,” Adelman explained. “For us to bounce back, find a way to get the four seed, it shows our mental toughness.”
Murray wasn’t the only standout. Aaron Gordon, fresh off a buzzer-beater in Game 4, scored 23 points, while Nikola Jokic added another triple-double to his postseason resume, contributing 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. Christian Braun also had a key defensive role, helping limit James Harden to just 11 points on 3-of-9 shooting.
The Clippers made a late push, cutting the Nuggets’ lead to just 9 points, but Denver responded with an 11-0 run to extinguish any hopes of a comeback. Adelman credited the team’s ability to stay composed under pressure: “It wasn’t just Jamal’s special night. It was different people making big plays.”
Looking ahead to Game 6, Adelman remained cautious, understanding that while his team played well, there is still work to be done. “We need to refocus. We really need to watch the tape,” he said. “In the playoffs, you can’t expect a night like tonight every game.”
As Denver aims to close out the series and advance to the next round, Adelman knows that every player’s contribution will be key. “You need people to make plays—not just score points,” he concluded.
