Nuggets Advance After Dismissing Coach Malone, Defeating Clippers

Denver, CO — The Denver Nuggets are riding high after a 120-101 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 7, solidifying their spot in the second round of the NBA playoffs. Serbian star Nikola Jokić noted a shift in team energy since the surprising dismissal of head coach Michael Malone in early April.

Malone, who led the Nuggets to their first NBA championship just two seasons ago, was let go on April 8 after the team found itself in a four-game losing streak. His longtime assistant, David Adelman, took over coaching duties and has since guided the team to win four consecutive games.

“I think the owner … he wanted to change something to change the energy, and probably he did,” Jokić said after the game. “He got the result that he was looking for.”

Adelman’s leadership has rejuvenated the Nuggets, leading to their commanding win against the Clippers, a team that had previously won 18 of its last 21 games heading into the series. At one point, the Nuggets led by 35 points in the Game 7 showdown.

Notably, six Denver players scored 15 points or more, marking the first time in NBA history that this has happened in a Game 7 victory. Aaron Gordon topped the scoring with 22 points, complemented by Christian Braun‘s 21 points, and Jokić’s well-rounded performance of 16 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists.

For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard led the way with 22 points, but teammate James Harden struggled, finishing with just seven points on 2-of-8 shooting. Jokić credited the team’s defensive effort, particularly mentioning Braun’s performance against Harden.

“The rebounding and defense was amazing,” Jokić commented. “We had a lot of opportunities to run and a lot of guys stepped up and a lot of guys made baskets.”

This win helps to alleviate the memory of last year’s playoff exit, where the Nuggets blew a 20-point lead against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a Game 7.

Next up for the Nuggets is a challenge against the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder, who dominated the regular season with a 68-14 record and recently swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round. The matchup pits Jokić against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, his main MVP rival this season; however, Jokić expressed a desire to focus on the Thunder’s overall team strengths.

“They’re a team that is always pushing the pace, who plays with a lot of energy … A lot of deflections, a lot of steals, attacking the glass,” Jokić said. “They’re the number one seed for a reason.”

The series is set to begin in Oklahoma on Monday night.