After a 43-point loss in Game 2, Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman stressed the need for a complete mental reset as the Western Conference Semifinals head to Denver tied 1-1.
Speaking to media Thursday, Adelman said the Nuggets were honest in their film session and admitted the team “let go of the rope” in the lopsided defeat.
“You have to own poor play, lack of physicality,” Adelman said, adding that adjustments only work “if our mentality is different.”
Oklahoma City blitzed Denver with 87 first-half points in Game 2, setting an NBA playoff record, and led wire-to-wire behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s efficient 34-point effort.
Adelman acknowledged the Thunder “hit first, second, and third,” and Denver’s inability to match their intensity early led to strategic breakdowns.
“We weren’t ready to play at that level,” he said. “We did not react well after the first timeout.”
Looking ahead to Game 3, Adelman emphasized that Denver must dictate the tone.
“I expect us to be the aggressor,” he said. “If we want to win Game 3, things have to be different.”
While rebounding was a talking point, Adelman made clear that the issues ran deeper, citing poor spacing and defensive rotations as key failures.
“You can’t play like that,” he said. “You have to block out, hit a body, and execute.”
He praised Gilgeous-Alexander’s growth, noting his ability to manipulate defenses and make timely passes.
“He’s one of the best one-on-one players I’ve ever seen,” Adelman said. “His feel for the game has really improved.”
Despite the blowout loss, Adelman pointed to the team’s experience in bouncing back from adversity, referencing the first-round series against the Clippers.
“You can’t just say we split, we’re good,” he said. “You have to actually go and do it.”
He described the locker room atmosphere post-Game 2 as “embarrassed,” but noted that multiple players took accountability and showed leadership in Thursday’s film session.
“There was a lot of people saying, ‘I can be better,’” Adelman said. “The film never lies.”
With Game 3 set for Friday night at Ball Arena, Adelman believes the Nuggets’ response will come down to energy, physicality, and execution.
“You can’t let go of the rope like we did last night,” he said. “And I don’t believe we will tomorrow.”
