The Denver Nuggets shocked many on Friday night (April 10) when they decided to sit a handful of key players.
Going against an undermanned Oklahoma City Thunder team, the Nuggets were in a favorable position to pick up an easy win and maintain their stance as the Western Conference’s third seed.
GettyDenver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic dribbles the ball. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
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 in the standings.
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.
David Adelman Fires Back At Denver Nuggets Critics
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 22: Head coach David Adelman of the Denver Nuggets reacts to a play against the Washington Wizards 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)
“I’ll be honest, there’s so much unknown. I think people need to calm down with, ‘Let’s play the Lakers.’ If Luka comes back and feels good, do you want to play Luka Doncic? Like, I think you’re messing with the game when you think that,” Adelman told reporters before Friday’s action.
“Us and Minnesota, it’s 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’s competitive with them. They’ve given us issues. We’ve given them issues. Obviously, Houston, I mean, they’re playing so well right now. I think they’ve won seven or eight in a row. There’s 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.”
The Nuggets landed some quality performances on Friday.
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.
Where The Nuggets Stand After Beating The Thunder
DENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 02: Nikola Jokic #15 and Aaron Gordon #32 of the Denver Nuggets celebrate a shot in the second half against the Utah Jazz 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)
The Nuggets left Friday’s game with a 53-28 record.
Denver remains in third place, trailing the San Antonio Spurs and the OKC Thunder. The Lakers trail by 1.0 games, and the Houston Rockets‘ latest loss gives the Nuggets a 2.0-game lead over them.
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