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Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman pointed to defense and composure as the foundation of a 116-105 Game 1 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday at Ball Arena.
“Yeah, I thought they played great defense to be honest,” Adelman said about the non-Nikola Jokic minutes. “We made some shots. Jamal Murray’s a special player. Went to work during that time.”
Denver trailed early but flipped the game in the second quarter, a stretch Adelman tied to execution on both ends. “I thought the second quarter was our offense throughout the season and a much better defensive effort,” he said.
Adelman emphasized Murray’s impact despite a 0-for-8 night from three-point range. “Just toughness,” he said. “There were timely shots that he made… Timely shooting, unbelievable free throw shooting. Mental toughness, plus thirteen for the night.”
Murray finished with 30 points and went 16-for-16 from the line, a result of attacking downhill. “If they’re in zero coverage… you have to attack the basket confidently,” Adelman said. “Take what they give us.”
The Nuggets shot 30-for-33 from the free-throw line, a key playoff indicator when perimeter shots are not falling. “We still found a way to win the game because we can control the game at the end,” Adelman said.
Turnovers were a concern early, especially against a transition-heavy opponent. “The turnovers in the first half were the major downside… those lead to dunks and things like that,” he said.
Defensively, Adelman highlighted multiple contributors, including Bruce Brown. “He just got into people when we needed buckets,” he said. “His activity was great… he towed the line that you need to tow in the playoffs.”
Christian Braun drew specific praise for his matchup against Anthony Edwards. “He’s guarding one of the best players in the world,” Adelman said. “You can trust CB that what he’s doing there’s a reason for it.”
Adelman also underscored Aaron Gordon’s two-way value after foul trouble limited him early. “When Aaron plays we’re a different team,” he said. “Tonight it was attitude, physicality.”
The physical tone of the series was evident, with 42 fouls and multiple technicals called. “It’s a physical series,” Adelman said. “Both teams are experienced… they know what it means to play in a physical matchup.”
Denver used a 17-2 run in the third quarter to take control, but the Timberwolves cut the lead to two late. Adelman credited his group’s response. “Staying together, winning a grimy game, it’s good,” he said.
He framed the win as a test of playoff discipline rather than aesthetics. “We’re going to have games where we shoot the hell out of it… There’s no difference. You just win the game.”
Game 2 is scheduled for Monday night, with adjustments expected on both sides. “He’ll bring whatever is needed in game two,” Adelman said of Gordon.
