David Adelman speaks on Nikola Jokic passing up a clutch shot.
The Denver Nuggets fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in game two of their first round series, 119-114.
The victory for Minnesota evened the series at one.
The Nuggets had their chances, especially leading 39-25 after the first quarter, but the Timberwolves rallied back in the second quarter and then out-executed the Nuggets in the fourth quarter.
The Nuggets had a chance to tie or take the lead with 30 seconds remaining after a turnover by Anthony Edwards, but what happened next will be discussed for the rest of the series if the Nuggets fail to advance.
Nikola Jokic had a clean driving lane and an opportunity to flick up his patented floater, but dumped the ball off to Christian Braun, who was underneath the basket. Thanks to the defense of Anthony Edwards, the ball didn't get cleanly to Braun, who fumbled it.
Braun managed to gather the ball and go up for the field goal attempt, but he was fouled.
Brau would split the free throws, putting the Nuggets down one instead of tying the game.
David Adelman Reacts
After the game, Nuggets head coach David Adelman spoke about Jokic's decision to pass up the floater.
"Yeah, I mean you always want him to shoot that shot, but he sees what he sees out there. He’s playing, and if he sees his teammate open, he’s going to make that play. I trust CB [Christian Braun] to make free throws," said Adelman.
Adelman repeated that he trusted the decision-making of Jokic, calling him the best player in the world and that he makes the right plays, and that he trusts Braun to make those free throws.
Braun was 4-5 from the free throw line before his trip with 20 seconds remaining. He shot 78% from the line during the regular season, but a career 68% free throw shooter during the playoffs.
Still Having A Shot
Denver still had an opportunity to at least tie the game after Braun's missed free throw.
Julius Randle was fouled by Denver on the ensuing possession, knocking down both free throws to push the Minnesota lead to three with 18 seconds remaining.
Instead of taking a three to potentially tie things, Jamal Murray took a step back 20-footer that came up short. Minnesota grabbed the rebound, managed to avoid getting fouled, and came away with a dunk to end the game.
Game three between the Timberwolves and Nuggets takes place on Thursday.