Tanking in the NBA isn’t just about securing favorable lottery odds. Around playoff time, some teams get accused of tanking their final round of games in order to land a favorable spot on the bracket. The Denver Nuggets have recently faced those allegations.
Following the Nuggets’ 128-118 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night, the head coach, David Adelman, sent a clear message on the allegations.
“We’re not ducking anybody,” the head coach told reporters, according to the Denver Post’s Bennett Durando.
Before the Nuggets reached Sunday’s action, Adelman addressed those who wanted the Nuggets to find a more favorable first-round opponent.
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – SEPTEMBER 29: Head coach David Adelman of the Denver Nuggets fields questions during Media Day at Ball Arena on September 29, 2025 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)
âIâll be honest, thereâs so much unknown. I think people need to calm down with, âLetâs play the Lakers.â If Luka comes back and feels good, do you want to play Luka Doncic? Like, I think youâre messing with the game when you think that,â Adelman told reporters last Friday.
âUs and Minnesota, itâs been a crazy back-and-forth over the years. They swept us last year, but then we beat them three out of four this year. We always know itâs competitive with them. Theyâve given us issues. Weâve given them issues. Obviously, Houston, I mean, theyâre playing so well right now. I think theyâve won seven or eight in a row. Thereâs 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.â
The Nuggets Will Face The Timberwolves
Getty ImagesDENVER, COLORADO – MAY 19: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves goes to the basket against the Denver Nuggets during Game Seven of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 19, 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 C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images)
The stage is set for round one between the Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
as Adelman mentioned, the Nuggets and the Timberwolves faced each other four times this season. The Nuggets snapped a four-game winning streak for the Wolves back in October. That fired up a three-game winning streak over the Timberwolves.
In their latest outing, which happened on March 1, the Timberwolves came out on top with a 117-108 win.
Holding a 3-1 record over their opponent is clearly a confidence-booster for the Nuggets. At the end of the day, last season’s sweep means nothing. So does the 3-1 series win against Denver this year.
The slate is wiped clean, and the playoffs are an entirely different game. Adelman and the Nuggets are clearly motivated to take care of business against whoever is in front of them. The Timberwolves will get a shot at one of the Western Conference’s hottest teams down the stretch.
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