David Adelman Sparks Nuggets’ Playoff Surge, Gains Jokic’s Backing in Bid for Permanent Coaching Role
Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman is making a strong case to have the interim tag removed after the season. Under Adelman’s leadership, the Nuggets advanced past the Los Angeles Clippers in a hard-fought seven-game series, making him just the fourth interim coach in NBA history to win a playoff series. His steady guidance and strategic insight have not gone unnoticed, especially by superstar Nikola Jokic, who offered what sounded like an endorsement of the coaching change. “I think the owner, maybe he wanted to change something, change the energy. And probably he did,” Jokic said. “He got the result that he was looking for.”
Adelman’s momentum continued as the Nuggets claimed a dramatic Game 1 victory in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, thanks to a game-winning shot by Aaron Gordon. His growing resume, which includes prior interviews with the Lakers, Cavaliers, Hornets, and Raptors, positions him as a serious candidate for the permanent role.
