David Adelman Praises Spencer Jones, Nuggets’ Bench After Mexico City Win

David Adelman saw more than additional scoring when Spencer Jones returned to the Denver Nuggets’ rotation Saturday.

The Nuggets’ head coach pointed to the communication, defensive awareness and willingness to handle smaller responsibilities that made Jones’ season debut valuable. Those contributions helped Denver defeat the Indiana Pacers 114-102 in Mexico City and improve to 5-3.

Jones finished with 13 points, six rebounds and a block, shooting 5-for-6 from the field and making all three of his 3-point attempts.

For Adelman, the performance illustrated why having Jones available matters beyond the final scoring totals.

“Spencer, I mean, he’s just the ultimate role player,” Adelman said afterward. “I mean, makes threes, he blocks a shot, he screens in rotations, he communicates.”

Adelman’s praise centered on the habits that allow a player to contribute without requiring the offense to revolve around him.

Jones could space the floor, make defensive reads and communicate with teammates while fitting into the responsibilities around him. His coach described those actions as skills that often require repeated instruction but come naturally to Jones.

“There is a real thing to being a real professional basketball player, and he is one,” Adelman said.

That assessment gives context to a return that was immediately productive. Denver received efficient shooting, but Adelman also saw a player helping the group function from possession to possession.

Nikola Jokic offered a similar evaluation during his postgame availability. He highlighted Jones’ shooting and rebounding while pointing to the aggressive, physical defense Denver needs from him.

For a player returning to game action, contributing in several areas creates opportunities to remain useful even when the shots stop falling. Saturday, Jones gave the Nuggets both the scoring and the supporting work.

Jones was part of a broader bench performance that encouraged Adelman.

The coach said using 11 players had not been a fixed plan entering the game. He nevertheless wanted to find an opportunity for Bryson Hopkins if the circumstances allowed it.

Hopkins rewarded that decision with immediate activity, including an and-one after entering late. Adelman also praised his attitude, noting that Hopkins stayed prepared despite having reason to believe he might not play.

That readiness fits what the coach wants from Denver’s younger players. With an experienced starting group, Adelman is looking for reserves who can change the energy rather than simply occupy minutes.

Jamal Murray described the benefits afterward, explaining that teammates are becoming more comfortable with different lineups and learning where their opportunities will develop.

Adelman also credited DeMar DeRozan’s ability to turn scoring pressure into chances for others.

He pointed to possessions in which DeRozan drew additional defensive attention before moving the ball, including a sequence that produced a Cameron Johnson 3-pointer.

Those decisions give Denver another way to initiate productive offense. When DeRozan forces a second defender to respond, the next pass can create an opening without requiring Jokic or Murray to manufacture it themselves.

For Adelman, the encouraging part was how those contributions connected: Jones handled his responsibilities, Hopkins stayed ready, and DeRozan helped teammates find shots.

Denver left Mexico City with a win and more evidence of how its supporting cast can help deliver one.