Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman outlined the key breakdowns that led to a 128-123 defeat against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday at Ball Arena, pointing to transition defense, paint coverage, and late-game execution as the major issues.
Adelman opened by identifying fast-break points as the most damaging factor. “The fast break points. I mean, they they played with great pace. It’s not what they do… they pushed the ball after makes and misses,” he said, noting how Sacramento generated early confidence with uncontested finishes.
He explained that the first half swung on Denver’s giveaways. “The first half was our turnover. Second half, we actually took care of it… but the first half we gave them run outs. Live ball turnovers ended up being dunks,” Adelman said, adding that the Kings’ early rim pressure created a difficult deficit to manage.
Sacramento scored 40 points in the paint before halftime, a number Adelman described as “outrageous,” and although Denver reduced that damage later, the cumulative effect shifted the momentum.
He credited the Kings’ reserves for changing the game’s rhythm. “Schroder goes for 21. You know, Monk comes in and gets 12. their bench was really impactful,” he said, referencing how Sacramento’s second unit helped swing the third quarter.
Adelman also addressed Denver’s inability to disrupt the Kings’ ball movement. “Our shrinks weren’t as impactful… for them to get 32 assists… it’s not a good number,” he said. He pointed out that Sacramento typically leans on isolation play, making the assist total especially problematic when those drives created open looks late.
Fatigue from the back-to-back was raised, but Adelman rejected the notion that it dictated the result. “It’s the NBA… that has nothing to do with this game. They beat us,” he said, emphasizing that mental errors outweighed schedule concerns.
He acknowledged the challenge of guarding DeMar DeRozan after a late-game foul by Spencer Jones. “I’m concerned about anybody guarding DeRozan… he’s always been an artist with that,” Adelman said, calling the sequence part of the learning process for the rookie starter.
Jamal Murray’s night drew praise, as he posted 23 points and nine assists with one turnover. “I thought he was great… he handled that well,” Adelman said, referencing the constant blitzes Murray faced with Denver shorthanded.
Adelman explained his decision to use Hunter Tyson early, saying, “Exactly what I got. I mean, he played hard as hell,” and reiterated the need to expand the rotation with multiple frontcourt injuries.
He closed by stressing a long-view approach. “You have to take a big picture look at things… next week starts a new week,” Adelman said, turning the focus to Monday’s matchup at Memphis.
