Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman took accountability for his key decisions following Tuesday night’s 112–105 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 of their Western Conference Semifinal series.
Denver now trails 3–2 in the series, despite a dominant 44-point, 15-rebound performance from Nikola Jokic.
In his postgame press conference, Adelman acknowledged that the Nuggets’ fourth-quarter struggles stemmed from both shot quality and execution under pressure.
“I thought early in the quarter we did get really good shots,” Adelman said. “They didn’t fall, and then late their pressure got to us and we were up against the clock a lot.”
He rejected fatigue as the sole explanation, emphasizing that playing rotations were his responsibility.
“If guys were tired or had tired legs, that’s the decisions I’m making,” he said. “I like the group that we had.”
Jokic played the entire fourth quarter, a decision Adelman stood by despite Denver being outscored 34–19 in the final period.
“I had a conversation with him. He felt good,” Adelman explained. “Keeping a guy out there that was 17-of-25, 5-for-7 from three, had 44, 15, and five—I do not regret it right now.”
Asked about Jokic’s rhythm, Adelman cited his improved touch near the rim and impact on the offensive glass.
“He had better legs,” Adelman said. “Once he saw those go in, it just kind of unleashed everything else.”
The Thunder’s late-game execution contrasted Denver’s, with Adelman pointing to defensive breakdowns and missed chances.
“I thought our activity in the zone and the man wasn’t good enough at the point of the pick,” he said. “They made a concerted effort to get early hits, to get [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander] downhill.”
Adelman also credited Lu Dort for a crucial stretch that shifted momentum.
“When he made those shots to keep them in it, that was big,” Adelman said. “Their role players made big shots.”
Reflecting on key plays down the stretch, Adelman admitted Denver’s defense over-rotated on a late possession, leading to a Jalen Williams corner three.
“They did a nice job screening the rotation on the backside,” he said. “A contested three like that, I think sometimes you have to live with.”
Adelman maintained that the Nuggets played with strong effort but noted the importance of converting open shots.
“We created the open shots tonight,” he said. “If we can complement 17-of-25, 44 points with some other guys finding a rhythm, we’re very capable of doing special things.”
The series now shifts to Denver for Game 6 on Thursday, where the Nuggets face elimination.
“I have full confidence in our guys,” Adelman said. “We go back home and have a couple guys have a night like that—that pushes you over the edge.”
