Nuggets’ David Adelman ‘didn’t like’ Jaden McDaniels’ 1.3 second Game 4 shot before brawl

Denver Nuggets coach David Adelman said he did not like Jaden McDaniels scoring on a late Game 4 layup before a postgame scuffle between the Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves, according to AP-syndicated reporting and follow-up coverage.

Minnesota’s 112-96 win gave the Timberwolves a 3-1 series lead. The play that set off the confrontation came with about 2.1 seconds left, when McDaniels scored on an uncontested layup after Denver had effectively stopped playing.

Adelman’s criticism centered on the timing of the basket, with the coach saying he did not like McDaniels scoring because the game was already over and conceded. Nikola Jokic offered the opposite view, saying he reacted because McDaniels scored after everybody had stopped.

The late sequence led to a brief altercation as both teams converged, and Jokic and Julius Randle were ejected.

How the ending turned tense

The final seconds of Game 4 were already decided on the scoreboard, but the late layup became the flash point. Multiple reports described Jokic confronting McDaniels immediately after the basket, triggering a shoving sequence.

What happens next

The NBA could still review the incident for potential fines or suspensions. Further comments from either team could also add context before the next game in the series.