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

The Denver Nuggets are staring down elimination. Inside Ball Arena, though, belief hasn’t wavered, at least not from acting head coach David Adelman. This follows a sobering 112-96 Game 4 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves that pushed Denver to the brink of a 3-1 series exit. Despite that, Adelman doubled down on the only formula he trusts.

“I really trust our two best players will find a rhythm,” he said, referring to Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

"I really trust our two best players will find a rhythm."

David Adelman trusts Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray will extend the series after going down 3-1 pic.twitter.com/5Dg1E3jzUQ

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 26, 2026

Even in defeat, the numbers suggest the foundation is still there. Murray poured in 30 points, while Jokic flirted with a triple-double (24 points, 15 rebounds, 9 assists) before a meaningless ejection marred the finish.

Of course, Game 5 demands more than production. It requires composure, especially after a heated Game 4 sequence involving Jokic, Julius Randle, and Jaden McDaniels. Adelman is betting that Denver’s championship-tested two-man game can rediscover its timing against a Minnesota defense that has disrupted spacing and forced inefficient looks. The Nuggets also need to recover from a dismal 22.0 percent three-point shooting performance. They need to generate cleaner perimeter offense. If that happens, the blueprint for survival remains intact.

Still, the margin for error has all but vanished. Denver’s 2026 playoff run has hit a critical low after three straight losses flipped early momentum. Despite consistent star output, the supporting cast has struggled to convert. This has exposed a lack of offensive balance at the worst possible time. Meanwhile, Minnesota continues to capitalize, even while navigating injuries to Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo. Now back at altitude, the Nuggets face a simple reality: win or go home. For Adelman, there is no pivot, only trust.

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