Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman credited his team’s determination and adaptability after Thursday’s 136-131 victory over the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center.
“We tried a million different lineups,” Adelman said. “I played some guys together that I hadn’t played all year… just trying to find a group that could make a run at this.”
Adelman highlighted Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic for their pivotal roles in the comeback. “Special people win games,” he said. “Jamal and Nikola are really special late… 31, 20 and 12, 39 and 7, 30 in the second half for Jamal. Thank God he wasn’t doubtful; he was probable, because that was a big key in the game.”
On Jokic’s ability to handle defensive attention, Adelman noted, “He stayed consistent with who he is… the other guys got more aggressive because of the way they guarded him. Nikola does a great job of freeing up Jamal, freeing up Cam to let those guys make plays.”
Adelman emphasized the importance of team contributions beyond the stars. “Spencer’s two threes to start the fourth were just enormous… just a bunch of guys stepped up,” he said. “Nikola just being out on the floor creates offense. That’s why he’s the best player in the league in my opinion.”
Regarding clutch performance, Adelman downplayed the significance of dramatic finishes in favor of overall dominance. “I honestly, we beat Houston by 40, I’d rather do that,” he said. “It’s a great win, but I’m just trying to win games. I’d rather win a game like Houston than have to come back from 20 down.”
Murray’s mental toughness was a focus, as Adelman praised his resilience. “He’s just so mentally tough… he made a couple big threes, but some of the in-between shots he made, the floaters, the semi-posts, and obviously 15 of 15 from the free throw line to close the game out, is really special.”
The coach also reflected on San Antonio’s adjustments and Victor Wembanyama’s absence. “We’d probably shoot a lot more threes with him there… he’s one of the best defensive players ever,” Adelman said. “His absence helped us on the offensive end for sure.”
Adelman praised the team’s second-half surge, which saw the Nuggets score 83 points. “Guys were more aggressive to attack for themselves… a bunch of people made plays, not just scoring but making the extra pass, setting a good screen,” he said. “Our transition offense was much better.”
He also singled out Spencer Jones for his composure and IQ. “Toughness… the ability to switch defensively… he flashed and found open areas in the post-ups with Nikola and then obviously with Jamal Murray picking and popping and making threes,” Adelman said. “Good teams, that’s what you need—somebody different every night, and tonight it was Spence.”
The win improved Denver’s record to 41-26 while snapping San Antonio’s five-game streak. The Nuggets will visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, with the Spurs traveling to Milwaukee on Tuesday.
