SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a surprising turn of events for the Denver Nuggets, three key players were intently focused as a mastermind explained strategic plays on a whiteboard during the team huddle. The unexpected leader in this scenario was none other than Nikola Jokic, who took the dry-erase marker to share his insights. “Whenever I see something,” Jokic remarked, emphasizing his commitment to team communication.
Interim head coach David Adelman recognized the importance of player input, stating, “We were trying to give them a little more leeway to let them communicate and talk first.” This approach seemed to pay off, as the Nuggets triumphed with a 124-116 victory over the Kings. The win marked a significant moment in the team's transition after a major coaching shift.
Jokic, the face of the Nuggets and widely regarded as the best player in the NBA, was noticeably hoarse during a postgame interview with ESPN. He highlighted the team’s resilience in the face of adversity, stating, “People say that we are vulnerable, but the beast is always the strongest or the most dangerous when they’re vulnerable. Maybe he woke up the beast.” Here, Jokic was hinting at the impact of team president Josh Kroenke’s recent decision to fire head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth just three games before the regular season concluded.
While Jokic referred to the "beast" as the collective strength of the Nuggets, he could easily have been alluding to his own performance. Throughout the game, the three-time MVP energized the sidelines, actively participating in discussions during huddles.
“When someone wants to wake somebody up or change the energy, that’s probably what they do,” Jokic explained in the locker room. He noted the cultural significance of such changes, adding, “In my country, if somebody gets fired… probably you’re the next (to go).” This reflection shows how deeply the coaching changes resonated within the team, prompting a swift adjustment as the playoffs loom.
Despite not being consulted about the decision beforehand, Jokic received the news from Kroenke early. “I knew a little bit before everybody,” Jokic shared. “He told me, ‘We made a decision.’ So it was not a discussion; it was a decision, and he told me why. So I listened and I accept it.” This acceptance highlights Jokic’s professionalism and commitment to the franchise.
With the victory over the Kings, the Nuggets improved their record to 48-32, ending a four-game losing streak and maintaining their position in fourth place in the Western Conference. The atmosphere during the game was electric, with Kroenke and other front-office personnel present to witness this pivotal moment in the Nuggets' season.
Jokic’s performance was stellar, contributing 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. After the game, he emphasized the necessity for the team to quickly adapt to the changes, particularly with the playoffs on the horizon. Although he acknowledged the tough day for Malone and his family, Jokic expressed hope for a positive future.
Looking ahead, Jokic has previously endorsed Adelman’s potential as a head coach. He praised Adelman’s leadership style, describing him as a smart communicator who conveys his expectations simply and effectively. "Do this," is how Jokic characterized Adelman’s straightforward approach. Adelman, who has been part of the Nuggets’ coaching staff since 2017, feels comfortable in his new role, stating, “I’ve been talking to the team for eight years, so I didn’t feel like there was a big difference.”
This familiarity with key players like Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. positions Adelman well to lead the Nuggets through this transitional phase. As the team prepares for the upcoming challenges, the synergy between players and their new interim coach could prove vital in their quest for playoff success.
