During a pivotal moment in the 2019 NBA Playoffs, after a Game 7 loss, Nikola Jokić approached the coaching staff with a heartfelt promise: he would never let the team fall short again. That quiet fire, that sense of responsibility, didn’t fade. This postseason, interim coach David Adelman is tapping back into that same drive. With Michael Malone out, Adelman isn’t just steering the Nuggets—he’s reigniting the accountability Jokić showed that night. Is it working? Let’s see.

The Nuggets had a real chance to close out the series in LA, but the Clippers had other plans. They won 111-105 in a tough, draining game for Denver. Jokic, Murray, Gordon, and Braun all played over 40 minutes, and by the end, the team just didn’t have enough left in the tank. Jokic finished with 25 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals, but only five of those points came in the second half. Murray also struggled, going from 12 points in the first half to just 9 in the second. The stars didn’t quite deliver like they needed to, with Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Norman Powell combining for 71 points. Now, it all comes down to Game 7 back in Denver.

The Joker was brilliant in Game 6, as he so often is—but Adelman walked away frustrated. He called out the officials for allowing too much unchecked physicality, especially from smaller defenders who leaned on Jokić all night. Beyond the calls, Adelman made it clear he wants more aggression from Jokić, particularly from beyond the arc. Speaking on Inside the NBA, he said he’s encouraging him to “let the ball fly from three.” Adelman is really focusing on maximizing Jokic’s offensive potential in this series. He wants Jokic to be more aggressive on the floor, particularly when it comes to shooting the three-pointer.

While Jokic is known for being an incredible passer, creating plays for his teammates, Adelman believes that if Jokic becomes more of a shooting threat, it will open up so many other aspects of his game. When Jokic can stretch the floor with his shot, defenses will have to respect that, which will create more room for him to dish out assists or drive to the basket.

But it’s not just about Jokic’s offensive mindset—Adelman is also thinking about the bigger picture with his rotations and managing minutes. He recognizes that he’s “got heavy five“—Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Jokic—who are carrying heavy loads in this series, and fatigue can be a huge factor down the stretch. To ensure that his stars are fresh for the final push, Adelman is planning lineup changes and “early substitutions“.

He wants to get his key guys rested early in the game, allowing them to be effective when it matters most in the fourth quarter. He knows that managing these minutes efficiently is crucial, especially in high-stakes games where runs can shift momentum quickly.

Kenny Smith further inquired, “Which coach had the most relaxed atmosphere in the locker rooms?” The reporter noted that both coaches seemed at ease but then pointed out an interesting dynamic. You would think Tyronn Lue would be the more relaxed one, right? He’s been here before, conquered the mountain, so to speak. But with David Adelman, it’s a different vibe. For him, it’s all about this moment—his opportunity to step up. He’s been with this team for a while, and now he’s in charge. The real difference for him is in how he’s delivering his message. “He gets to pick the exact message that gets relayed. He’s very comfortable with this group.”

Denver’s big win: The key to game 7 success

Game 7 was nothing short of a statement for the Denver Nuggets, as they dominated the Los Angeles Clippers with a 120-101 win, securing their spot in the next round. After falling behind 26–21 in the first quarter, Denver’s adjustments on both ends of the floor ignited a historic rally: a 37–21 second quarter followed by a 28–9 surge in the third, including a decisive 17–0 run. That blitz flipped the script, stretching a five‑point deficit into a 28‑point lead.

The Nuggets, led by Jokic, came out firing and never looked back. Jokic, with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, was a steady force, but it was Aaron Gordon (22 points), Christian Braun (21 points), and the entire team that took over. Murray and Russell Westbrook also chipped in with 16 points each, and the Nuggets’ 17-0 run in the third quarter helped stretch the lead to an insurmountable 93-66.

The Clippers, on the other hand, started strong, leading 26-21 after the first quarter, but their offense couldn’t keep pace with the Nuggets. Kawhi Leonard, who had 22 points, did his best, but James Harden struggled, scoring just seven points on 2-of-8 shooting. Even Ivica Zubac, who had been solid throughout the series, went quiet with only 10 points. As the game wore on, the Clippers just couldn’t keep up with Denver’s all-around effort.

Denver held the league’s fifth‑ranked defense to 40 points over two quarters, unprecedented in a Game 7, and forced 15 Clippers turnovers, turning stops into easy fast‑break buckets during that third‑quarter blitz. Jokić’s three steals and Westbrook’s five steals exemplified a collective effort to bait the Clippers into mistakes.

In terms of lineup changes, Tyronn made a bold move, starting Derrick Jones Jr. instead of Kris Dunn in this crucial game. Jones Jr. had been a key rotational piece throughout the season and provided the Clippers with fresh energy, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Denver’s depth. On the other hand, Adelman kept his lineup consistent, sticking with his core group and allowing the Nuggets’ chemistry to shine. With the win, Denver erased the ghosts of their Game 7 collapse last year and showed they’re ready to make a deeper playoff run.

As the playoffs continue, Jokic’s aggressive play and Adelman’s strategic adjustments will be crucial for the Nuggets’ success against the Oklahoma City Thunder. If they can maintain their chemistry and stay fresh, Denver has all the tools to make a deep run and potentially contend for a title.