David Adelman ‘really proud’ of undermanned team despite loss to Cavs

David Adelman had positive thoughts about Denver The Nuggets’ level of play despite missing key players in the team’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night.

Jokic suffered a hyperextended knee in Denver’s loss to the Miami Heat last week, sidelining him for a month. On top of that, Jonas Valanciunas suffered an injury that will also miss months of competition, leaving a big hole at the center position.

Even so, Denver competed well against Cleveland despite collapsing down the stretch. Adelman reflected in the loss after the game, according to reporter Bennett Durand.

“David Adelman: ‘I’m really proud to coach this team tonight.'” He said he was disappointed with the result because the Nuggets played so hard,” Durando wrote.

As David Adelman, the Nuggets performed against the Cavaliers

David Adelman is right to praise the Nuggets for fighting hard against the Cavaliers despite serious injuries.

Denver was persistent as the team led 97-88 in the fourth quarter. Even so, Cleveland refused to back down as they mounted a rally in the final 12 minutes, outscoring the Nuggets 25-11 to win.

Rebounds and inside goals made the difference in this match. The Cavaliers won in both categories by securing 55 rebounds and scoring 50 points inside the line. It wasn’t the same for the Nuggets as they grabbed 32 rebounds and scored 34 points.

Five players scored in double figures for Denver in the loss. Jamal Murray led the way with 34 points, seven assists, six rebounds and a block. He shot 12 of 28 from the field, including 6 of 12 from beyond the arc and 4 of 5 from the free throw line. Peyton Watson was next with 21 points and four rebounds, Tim Hardaway Jr. had 15 points and two rebounds, while Spencer Jones and Zeke Nnaji provided 13 points each.

Denver fell to a 23-11 record on the season, holding fourth place in the Western Conference standings. They are 1.5 games above the Los Angeles Lakers and two games above the Minnesota Timberwolves while trailing the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs.

The Nuggets will look to bounce back in their next game, staying on the road. They face the Brooklyn Nets on January 4th at 3:30 PM ET.