With the outcome already out of reach, the Denver Nuggets should’ve shifted focus to damage control.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder needed just nine minutes to open up a crushing 20-point lead. By the end of the first quarter, Oklahoma City was on pace for a staggering 180 points, and they extended that lead to 31 by halftime.
Given they had already reclaimed homecourt advantage, the Nuggets had every reason to rest their exhausted core. After grinding through a grueling seven-game battle against the Clippers, their 7-man rotation was visibly worn out heading into Game 2.
But rather than easing off the throttle, Adelman kept his top players in deep into a third quarter that had turned both chippy and physically draining. The payoff? Nothing. Just added fatigue and unnecessary risk. With just 48 hours of recovery time, the Nuggets looked bruised, tired, and depleted.
Michael Porter Jr. is clearly laboring—he can’t even remove his jersey without help. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray have been targeted nonstop by OKC’s elite defenders and have logged over 40 minutes in nearly every game for weeks. Aaron Gordon is still recovering from a nagging calf issue, and Russell Westbrook is 36.
Another injury could completely derail Denver’s playoff hopes. So why did Jokic and Murray each play over 30 minutes in a game that was practically over in the first quarter?
Adelman Left His Starters In Far Too Long
A clearly frustrated Jokic, who had been physically harassed all night, remained in the game until he fouled out with 1:17 left in the third quarter—by then, Denver trailed by 41.
When asked about the decision postgame, Adelman said, “they needed to find their rhythm.” But that explanation falls flat. Wouldn’t that have been a better opportunity for younger players like Julian Strawther, Peyton Watson, or Jalen Pickett to get minutes and build confidence?
While Adelman has shown strong strategic chops throughout the postseason, this misstep highlighted his inexperience. Pulling the starters was the obvious move, and he missed it.
Sure, the Nuggets did their job in stealing a road win. But they also missed a valuable chance to steal some rest. For this team to advance and contend for a championship, they need fresh legs. Denver’s veteran-heavy rotation can’t afford unnecessary wear and tear.
Adelman has done an admirable job—but by keeping his foot on the gas in a lost cause, he made his first real rookie error.
