The Denver Nuggets were not only frustrated with themselves following Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. They were also upset with Jaden McDaniels’ decision to score while both teams believed the game was already decided in the final seconds.
As usual, when an unwritten rule gets broken, a skirmish breaks out. Nuggets center Nikola Jokic rushed to the other end of the floor, and both teams quickly gathered to keep the scene from escalating to anything beyond verbal exchanges.
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After the game, Nuggets head coach David Adelman spoke on the incident.
David Adelman Drops A Statement On The Nuggets-Timberwolves Altercation
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 18: Head coach David Adelman of the Denver Nuggets directs his team against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter during Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026 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 Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
“I didn’t like what McDaniels did,” Adelman stated.
“The game was over, the game was conceded both ways. You know, in 2026, that stuff just doesn’t happen anymore. That’s something that happens in the ’80s, where teams would continue to score, but that’s who he is. If that’s what they want to do, then that’s what they want to do.”
All series long, McDaniels and Adelman traded subtle shots through the press. As expected, the comments kept coming on Saturday night, after a critical Game 4.
The Nuggets Fall Short
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 23: Jaden McDaniels #3 and Ayo Dosunmu #13 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on after Game Three of the First Round of the 2026 NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at Target Center on April 23, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 113-96. 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 David Berding/Getty Images)
McDaniels checked in for 33 minutes on Saturday night. He shot 4-11 from the field and went 4-4 from the free-throw line to score 12 points.
The defensive standout came down with eight rebounds and blocked one shot. He was a plus-14 in the Timberwolves’ 112-96 win over Denver.
With that loss, the Nuggets fall to 1-3 in the first-round series. Despite being the third seed in the series, the Nuggets haven’t been able to get a boost from any of their advantages.
During Game 4 on the road, the Nuggets watched the Timberwolves lose Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo to setbacks. Still, the Timberwolves took care of business and proved to Denver that they are out for blood.
The Nuggets have bulletin board material for Game 5. The matchup is set to take place on Monday, April 27 at 10:30 PM ET. If the Nuggets can’t force Game 6, their season will end in disappointing fashion.
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