INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Tensions are boiling for the Denver Nuggets after a physical Game 6 loss to the LA Clippers that left interim head coach David Adelman fuming over officiating and superstar Nikola Jokic visibly frustrated.
In a gritty 111–105 defeat, the Clippers’ aggressive defense—anchored by Ivica Zubac and veteran Nicolas Batum—limited Jokic to just five second-half points and a rare two free-throw attempts. While Jokic still posted 25 points overall, his second-half struggles mirrored Denver’s collapse, as the Nuggets failed to close out the first-round series yet again.
“It’s absolutely crazy,” Adelman said postgame. “Nikola gets fouled a lot. They put smalls on him and let them do whatever they wanted.”
Frustrated by what he saw as inconsistent officiating, Adelman didn’t mince words: if physicality is the new standard, the Nuggets are ready to return the favor in Game 7.
That chance will come at Ball Arena, thanks to Denver edging out the Clippers for the tiebreaker in the regular season. But recent history offers little comfort—since their 2023 championship, the Nuggets have now lost four of their last five closeout games, including a disastrous Game 6 blowout to Minnesota last year.
Still, Adelman isn’t rattled, and neither are his players. Jamal Murray, who delivered 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists, dismissed any sense of panic: “It’s 3–3. Next team wins. I’ve played in quite a few Game 7s. We’ve just got to play with the same intent and desperation.”
Jokic, ever steady, emphasized a business-as-usual approach despite the growing stakes: “Every game is really important. I want to win, so I’m going to play it as a regular game.”
The Nuggets have earned home-court advantage and a shot at redemption. Whether that’s enough to fend off a Clippers team that found its defensive identity in Game 6—despite Leonard’s shift in style—remains to be seen.
But as Adelman put it bluntly: “You play all year for [home court]. We got that opportunity… and we’re very excited to go back out there and play again.”