With Nikola Jokic and six others on the sidelines, the gritty Nuggets earned an inspiring victory in Philadelphia against the 76ers.
Credit: AP/Scanpix nuotr.
Despite missing their entire starting lineup, David Adelman couldn't find words to express how ecstatic he is that the Denver Nuggets still emerged victorious in a marvelous fashion.
Addressing the media following their 125-124 overtime win over the Philadelphia 76ers, the Nuggets mentor called the victory one of the most special he's ever been a part of throughout his coaching career.
"Just so many guys stepped up and did things for us," Adelman said. " ... One of the most special wins I've ever been a part of."
Bruised and battered, the Nuggets entered the Monday night clash in Philadelphia without their entire starting lineup. Nikola Jokic and Cam Johnson (knee) still have a long way to go before returning, while the trio of Jamal Murray (ankle), Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle) earned a rest after appearing in the team's 127-115 weekend loss in Brooklyn against the Nets.
In total, the Nuggets have seven players on their injury report. Key contributors Tim Hardaway Jr. (illness) and Jonas Valanciunas (calf) also didn't play.
For this, Adelman had no choice left but to completely shuffle his deck and mainly rely on the rest of his group. And he didn't make a mistake in putting all of his trust in them as they still grabbed the inspiring win against the 76ers team that paraded its star trio of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George.
Jalen Pickett delivered a career performance with 29 points and seven assists. Peyton Watson poured 24 points and seven boards, while Bruce Brown Jr. tallied 19 markers and the game-winning layup.
Zeke Nnaji was also instrumental off the bench with 21 points and eight rebounds in 32 minutes.
In front of the national television, Adelman can't feel any prouder for how his secondary units rose to the occasion, leaving the entire 76ers crown stunned.
“This is a bunch of guys finding a way to get it done with grit and effort and timely shot making," Adelman noted, "And I think that's something that, when they're older, 20 years from now, they're probably gonna have a beer and talk about this game.”
With the resilient victory, the Nuggets improved to 24-12. They'll face the Boston Celtics for the final stop of their lengthy seven-game road trip on Wednesday.
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