DaRon Holmes II acknowledged that he ran out of gas after logging 22 minutes in Denver’s win over Toronto on Wednesday, which marked the first time he had been given a real opportunity to contribute in a meaningful game setting, according to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post.
For the second-year big man, it was a notable step forward after a long road back to full health.
Despite the fatigue, head coach David Adelman was pleased with how Holmes handled himself, especially in moments that could have rattled a young player.
Adelman pointed out that Holmes continued to compete even when things did not go perfectly, noting that he stayed engaged rather than getting discouraged.
“He gives up the offensive rebounds. I didn’t see him put his head down. He just kept playing,” the coach said. “And that’s the key in the NBA. You’re gonna have moments when you get embarrassed or somebody physically owns you, whatever it is.
“You’ve just gotta go to the next play. Be ready to make the next shot, make the appropriate decision with the ball, take care of it. And he did that.”
Holmes, who was selected in the first round of the 2024 draft, spent last season sidelined while recovering from a torn Achilles tendon.
The Nuggets got some well-needed good news regarding injuries: https://t.co/QaE44jWDFw
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 3, 2026
