David Adelman praised the Mexico City crowd after the Denver Nuggets beat the Indiana Pacers 114-102, highlighting the atmosphere and the NBA’s international reach.
“The energy was awesome,” Adelman said after Saturday’s game. “I could tell from the starting five, I don’t want to say they were backing us, but there was a definite juice for us and it was cool to hear MVP chants in a different country.”
The Nuggets coach said the team had been excited about playing in Mexico City despite the travel and logistical challenges.
“Our guys got really excited to play building up to this,” Adelman said. “You come down here, there’s travel, logistics, all those things. I think when we got out on the court and the place is packed and you feel the juice and the energy, just reminds you what this market is.”
He added: “The NBA is global and it belongs here too. I thought it was great and our guys really enjoyed it.”
Adelman also discussed the contributions from his bench, particularly Spencer Jones, who returned to the rotation and scored 13 points on five-of-six shooting, including three three-pointers.
“Spencer, I mean, he’s just the ultimate role player,” Adelman said. “Makes threes, he blocks a shot, he screens in rotations, he communicates. He’s just things that you have to teach players these days. He just does them.”
The coach added: “There is a real thing to being a real professional basketball player, and he is one. So, it was nice to get him back in the fold.”
Adelman also praised Bryce Hopkins, who scored three points in three minutes after entering late in the game.
“I just loved his attitude tonight,” Adelman said. “I think he kind of read the tea leaves like maybe I’m not playing tonight. I throw him in with three minutes to go. Immediately makes an impact. It’s an and one. Great activity.”
The coach explained that using 11 players was not the original plan, but he wanted to find an opportunity to get Bryson into the game. He also stressed the importance of energy from younger players.
“Our first five have played so many minutes in the league and I just think these young guys, you know, bring energy, flip games for us,” Adelman said. “That’s what we need if we’re going to be a high level team.”
Denver improved to 5-3 with the victory, winning four of its last five games. Nikola Jokic finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists, while Cameron Johnson added 18 points.
