David Adelman’s postgame comments after the Nuggets’ playoff loss on April 25, 2026, have raised questions about his future as head coach of the Denver Nuggets. The team fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-96, putting them down 3-1 in the second round of the NBA Playoffs.
The Nuggets struggled significantly in Game 4, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they shot just 18.8% from the field. Ayo Dosunmu’s impressive 43 points off the bench for the Timberwolves overshadowed a strong first half where the Nuggets held a four-point lead at halftime. However, Nikola Jokic’s ejection with just one second left marked a bitter end to an already challenging game.
This playoff series has been tough for the Nuggets, who entered as the No. 3 seed but were eliminated in six games. This marked only the second time in Jokic’s career that his team exited in the opening round of playoffs—a stark contrast to their previous year’s performance.
Key statistics from Game 4:
- The Nuggets were outscored by the Timberwolves’ bench 76 to 16.
- Ayo Dosunmu scored 43 points, showcasing his talent despite key players like Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo being absent for Minnesota.
- Denver’s shooting percentage in the fourth quarter was a dismal 18.8%.
- The Nuggets faced a series deficit of 3-1 after this loss.
After the game, Adelman defended his team’s effort, saying, “I thought we were extremely competitive…. I thought our guys played their asses off.” He further remarked on media narratives surrounding their performance, calling them “hilarious” and insisting that he was unfazed by critical coverage: “I don’t care what you write, I really don’t; I know what the team feels.” His comments reflect a passionate commitment to his players amid swirling speculation about potential coaching changes.
As discussions about Adelman’s future intensify, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. The Nuggets’ playoff exit raises pivotal questions about next season and whether changes are on the horizon for a team that once seemed poised for a deeper run.
