The Denver Nuggets’ season came to a crushing halt Sunday night, and interim head coach David Adelman didn’t mince words following the 125–93 Game 7 loss in Oklahoma City.
“Crushed for the guys in there,” Adelman said postgame. “Just the effort they gave to get to this position… and then for it to go sideways so quickly.”
Denver led 21–10 early in the first quarter before turnovers and defensive breakdowns unraveled the contest. Oklahoma City scored 39 points in the second quarter, fueled by live-ball steals and transition play.
“They had 16 steals—that’s dunks, that’s 37 points off your mistakes,” Adelman said. “You’re not going to win a playoff game like that.”
The Nuggets were plagued by health issues entering the game. Aaron Gordon played through a strained hamstring, and Jamal Murray was battling illness.
“What he played with today, I don’t know many people that would even attempt to go out there and run,” Adelman said of Gordon. “He almost had a double-double at halftime.”
Despite those limitations, Adelman refused to blame injuries for the loss, stating, “We got beat… we had an opportunity to take control of that game and we missed it.”
Alex Caruso’s defensive pressure on Nikola Jokic was also a major factor, according to Adelman.
“They brought multiple defenders over… and we just didn’t have a night where guys made shots,” he said. “Alex did a great job. He impacts winning.”
The Thunder’s bench outscored Denver’s reserves and maintained energy throughout the game.
“It’s a relentless defensive team. They seem like they’re always fresh—because they are,” Adelman noted. “They can go any way they want with their roster.”
Reflecting on the entire season, Adelman praised his team’s resilience.
“It’s about the people in that room. All the way up to the end of this game,” he said. “I’ll go back and kick myself—Game 4 and 5 of the series—those are just as crushing as tonight.”
When asked about his future with the franchise, Adelman deferred.
“I don’t think it’s time for me to think about that,” he said. “Decision-makers will make that decision.”
Still, the opportunity to coach this group was not lost on him.
“Something I’ll never forget,” he said. “Very special to me.”
Oklahoma City now advances to the Western Conference finals to face Minnesota, while Denver begins a long offseason filled with questions.
