Denver Nuggets' persistence eventually wore out against the towering attack of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The OCT registered an overwhelming win over the Nuggets in Game 7 to progress to the Western Conference final. With their campaign over, Nuggets will carry several questions into the offseason. Among the many, the situation around the coach will be their primary concern to resolve.
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David Adelman Shines Under Pressure
Following the sudden sacking of head coach Michael Malone just before the postseason, David Adelman was entrusted with the responsibility of leading Denver in the playoffs. Adelman quickly settled in as an interim coach, and he infused new energy into the side. Under David, the Nuggets went past the LA Clippers in Round 1 of the Playoff series. Unfortunately, they were booked to face the Oklahoma City Thunder next. The Thunder had an exceptional regular season; hence they entered the contest with a favourite tag. Nonetheless, the Nuggets were up for the challenge and fought till the end in their quest to reach the Western Conference final. However, at 3-3, OCT delivered an A-Game in Game 7 to knock the Nuggets out.
The perseverance showcased by the Nuggets did not go unnoticed, and there are calls to promote the protem coach David Adelman to the full-time position as head coach of the team.
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Nikola Jokic Dodges Pressing Query
Nuggets' flagbearer Nikola Jokic was full of praise for David Adelman. Jokic acknowledged Adelman for taking up the challenge on short notice and delivering results from the outset.
“It’s a tough spot to be. He had 3 games to change something. I think he changed the energy. I think the guys were woken up. The guys had more energy. He made us believe in something,” Jokic said.
However, when reporters asked Jokic about the possibility of Adelman taking on the head coach role full-time, he seemed unsure. “I mean, I’m not the guy to ask. It’s above my pay grade,” he replied, with a smile on his face.