Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman emphasized collective resilience and unselfish mentality after his team’s 113-104 overtime win in Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Speaking postgame, Adelman focused less on the final score and more on the character shown by his players, particularly praising Michael Porter Jr. for his shotmaking and defensive rebounding while playing through injury.
“You see the ball go in—and especially when the ball is in front of you every game consistently—you can go through periods, dry spells,” Adelman said, crediting Porter Jr. for stretching the Thunder’s elite defense by converting open looks.
Adelman highlighted the importance of staying within reach during the first 18 minutes, calling it essential against Mark Daigneault’s constantly shifting rotations.
“The longer you can stay in the game, then they’ve got to make decisions earlier in the second half,” Adelman explained, describing it as a chess match of endurance and adaptability.
Despite Nikola Jokic having what Adelman labeled an “off night,” the coach downplayed concerns, pointing out the reigning MVP’s stat line—20 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists—and explaining the shot selection based on Oklahoma City’s rim protection.
“If we would have lost this game, you would have said, ‘Why is he shooting so many threes?’ I’d say, ‘He shoots 45% from three,’” Adelman said, defending Jokic’s perimeter attempts.
Adelman credited defensive energy and improved rebounding for swinging momentum late, saying, “They shot 19 more shots than us. That can’t happen on a normal night.”
Jamal Murray’s 47-minute effort also drew praise, particularly for his fourth-quarter defense and leadership.
“When they called his guy up, I thought he really sat down and guarded when it mattered,” Adelman said, noting Murray’s toughness on both ends.
The coach also spotlighted contributions from Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and Zeke Nnaji, saying every player who saw minutes gave energy that allowed Denver to “stay in games.”
On Oklahoma City’s side, Adelman acknowledged Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rough night and credited Denver’s varied defensive approach, especially in how they absorbed contact and contested late shot-clock possessions.
“You have to win those 50/50 knockout defensive rebounds,” Adelman said, calling the Thunder’s offensive rebounding and transition defense “absolutely amazing.”
Adelman wrapped by stressing trust and selflessness within the locker room, describing a culture where every player’s focus is on helping the teammate beside him prepare for the next challenge.
“Game 4’s going to be its own thing,” he concluded, underscoring Denver’s mindset of continual adaptation and internal support as the series progresses.
