Why Nuggets’ David Adelman still trusts Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray in Game 5 vs Timberwolves

David Adelman said he still trusts Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray to find a rhythm in Game 5 after the Denver Nuggets fell behind 3-1 in their first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Minnesota’s 112-96 win in Game 4 left Denver facing elimination. Jokic finished with 24 points, 15 rebounds and 9 assists before being ejected late, while Murray scored 30 points.

Adelman’s message after the loss was that Denver’s two best players can still settle in when the series shifts to Game 5. The comment came during his postgame media availability, which AP also reported the same day.

The Nuggets now have to extend the series on the road after letting the Timberwolves build a three-game advantage.

Why Adelman is still backing his stars

Adelman’s point was not that Game 4 went well. It was that Denver’s offense still runs through Jokic and Murray, and he believes both can still respond in a decisive spot.

That confidence matters because the Nuggets need a much better performance quickly to avoid elimination.

What comes next

Game 5 is now the immediate turning point in the series. Denver needs a win to stay alive, while Minnesota can close out the matchup with another victory.