Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman credited a collective team effort for Saturday night’s 120-101 Game 7 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers that sent his squad to the Western Conference Semifinals.
Speaking postgame, Adelman emphasized that Denver’s defense and energy—not just shot-making—set the tone in a matchup that turned into a second-half rout at Ball Arena.
“There was crazy activity,” Adelman said postgame. “Everybody brought something.” “It was a complete team win,” he added, highlighting contributions from across the roster, including Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Russell Westbrook.
Denver dominated the second and third quarters, outscoring the Clippers 72-40 during that stretch, behind Braun’s 21 points and Gordon’s 22.
Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray combined for just 32 points, but Adelman praised the non-star contributions that helped Denver take control after a slow first quarter.
The Nuggets’ bench outscored the Clippers’ second unit 46-23, with Westbrook delivering 16 points and a momentum-shifting dunk against his former team.
Adelman pointed to Braun’s defense on James Harden, who was held to just 7 points on 8 shots, as a critical factor in limiting Los Angeles’ offensive options.
“We did a great job of covering for each other,” Adelman said, referencing the team’s activity in switching, zoning, and closing out on shooters throughout the night.
Though Denver led by as many as 31, Adelman said he brought Jokic and Murray back in after a Clippers run in the fourth quarter cut the lead to under 20.
“This is Game 7,” he said. “You better win the game.”
Asked about the team’s mindset, Adelman described a mix of “humbled confidence” and veteran poise, citing the experience within the locker room from past postseason battles.
He also credited Denver’s preparation and in-game adjustments as vital in navigating a volatile series that included a Game 6 loss in Los Angeles.
“The last three games of the regular season gave us a chance to be in this building for a game like this,” Adelman said, calling it a “huge deal.”
While acknowledging the emotional weight of the win, Adelman made clear the Nuggets were shifting focus to the second round against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who finished the regular season with a league-best 68-14 record and swept Memphis in the opening round.
“They’re the best team in the NBA this season,” Adelman said. “We know what this is.”
Game 1 between Denver and Oklahoma City is set for Monday night at Paycom Center.
The Nuggets, who split the season series with the Thunder, will look to carry their defensive intensity and balanced scoring into the second round.
Adelman, standing in for Michael Malone, reiterated the message to his team after the Game 7 win: “Enjoy tonight… but we fly to OKC tomorrow.”
