{"id":708215,"date":"2026-04-11T14:13:31","date_gmt":"2026-04-11T14:13:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/708215\/"},"modified":"2026-04-11T14:13:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T14:13:31","slug":"nuggets-coach-fires-back-at-critics-over-major-gamble-vs-okc-thunder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/708215\/","title":{"rendered":"Nuggets Coach Fires Back at Critics Over Major Gamble vs OKC Thunder"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman gestures. (Photo by Rich Storry\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The Denver Nuggets<\/a> shocked many on Friday night (April 10) when they decided to sit a handful of key players.<\/p>\n

Going against an undermanned Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a> team, the Nuggets were in a favorable position to pick up an easy win and maintain their stance as the Western Conference\u2019s third seed.<\/p>\n

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GettyDenver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic dribbles the ball. (Photo by Joshua Gateley\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

It was a gamble that ultimately paid off. The shorthanded Nuggets defeated the Thunder 127-107. Players like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray got a night of rest, while the team took care of business and maintained a 1.0-game lead over the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> in the standings.<\/p>\n

Before the game tipped off, Nuggets head coach David Adelman responded to the critics, who had something to say about the decision to have all five starters out for the night.<\/p>\n

David Adelman Fires Back At Denver Nuggets Critics
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GettyWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 JANUARY 22: Head coach David Adelman of the Denver Nuggets reacts to a play against the Washington Wizards<\/a> during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 22, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be honest, there\u2019s so much unknown. I think people need to calm down with, \u2018Let\u2019s play the Lakers.\u2019 If Luka comes back and feels good, do you want to play Luka Doncic? Like, I think you\u2019re messing with the game when you think that,\u201d Adelman told reporters before Friday\u2019s action<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cUs and Minnesota, it\u2019s been a crazy back-and-forth over the years. They swept up last year, but then we beat them three out of four this year. We always know it\u2019s competitive with them. They\u2019ve given us issues. We\u2019ve given them issues. Obviously, Houston, I mean, they\u2019re playing so well right now. I think they\u2019ve won seven or eight in a row. There\u2019s no good opponent in my opinion. I think you just have to play it out with decisions that are best for your team. We feel like tonight, this is the best decision.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Nuggets landed some quality performances on Friday.<\/p>\n

Jonas Valanciunas led the way with 23 points and 17 rebounds. Julian Strawther produced 22 points, while David Roddy racked up 21 points in 26 minutes.<\/p>\n

Where The Nuggets Stand After Beating The Thunder
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DENVER, COLORADO \u2013 NOVEMBER 02: Nikola Jokic #15 and Aaron Gordon #32 of the Denver Nuggets celebrate a shot in the second half against the Utah Jazz<\/a> at Ball Arena on November 2, 2024, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Bradford\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The Nuggets left Friday\u2019s game with a 53-28 record.<\/p>\n

Denver remains in third place, trailing the San Antonio Spurs<\/a> and the OKC Thunder. The Lakers trail by 1.0 games, and the Houston Rockets<\/a>\u2018 latest loss gives the Nuggets a 2.0-game lead over them.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\tJustin Grasso<\/a> Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Nuggets\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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