ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: Nuggets Fire Head Coach David Adelman After Game 7 Embarrassment
In a stunning turn of events just hours after the Denver Nuggets were blown out 125-93 by the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals, the franchise has announced the immediate termination of Head Coach David Adelman.
The loss, one of the worst in recent franchise playoff history, capped off a disappointing postseason campaign that began with championship aspirations. Nuggets President of Basketball Operations Calvin Booth issued a terse statement following the firing:
“We thank David for his contributions, but after careful consideration, we believe a new direction is necessary. Our standards remain high, and last night’s performance did not meet them.”
Adelman, who was promoted following Michael Malone’s departure in 2024, lasted just one full season as head coach. Despite guiding the team to a 53-win regular season, critics pointed to inconsistent rotations, defensive lapses, and an overreliance on Nikola Jokić in crunch time.
Social media erupted following the blowout loss, with fans and analysts alike calling for accountability. The hashtag Fire Adelman began trending by halftime of Game 7.
Assistant coaches Chris Fleming and Popeye Jones are expected to take interim duties while the team launches a national search for its next head coach.
OPINION: Nuggets Finally Pull the Plug on Adelman After Game 7 Disaster — What Took So Long
Let’s call it what it was: a basketball funeral in Oklahoma City. And at center stage of that 125-93 massacre? The ghost of a once-formidable Denver Nuggets team, led by a coach who looked more confused than confident. David Adelman is out, and frankly, it’s about time.
After a season filled with awkward timeouts, Jokić overusage, and playoff rotations that felt like a bingo draw, the front office finally did what fans have been screaming into the Twitter void since February.
Sure, Adelman inherited a championship roster. But watching Game 7, you’d never know this team lifted a trophy two years ago. The Thunder ran circles around Denver—literally—and Adelman responded with… a deep sigh and another failed zone defense.
The timing may be cold-blooded (he was reportedly told while boarding the team bus), but in professional sports, mercy comes with a pink slip.
Let the coaching search begin. Just one suggestion, Denver: maybe hire someone who knows how to guard a pick-and-roll?