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David Adelman’s message hits home as Nuggets lock down Warriors in second half
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- David Adelman’s message hits home as Nuggets lock down Warriors in second half
Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images
Denver Nuggets pull away from Warriors with third-quarter turnaround
Denver's 116–93 win over the Golden State Warriors came off the back of a halftime shift that was easy to spot.
"You have to at least give the effort to the game plan," head coach David Adelman said postgame.
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The team responded. Denver allowed 53 points in the first half but clamped down in the second, giving up just 40 more. That included a decisive third quarter where Golden State went 0-for-13 from three-point range.
How Denver's defence set the tone
Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images
It wasn't a strong start for the Nuggets. They lost track of cutters, overcommitted on defence, and left shooters open, which kept Golden State in rhythm early. That changed after halftime.
"Second half was much better… intensity, energy," Nikola Jokic said.
Denver increased their ball pressure, stayed closer to shooters, and forced 15 turnovers overall. They turned those mistakes into 22 points. The improved execution was noticeable right away in the third quarter, and it carried through the rest of the game.
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Jokic's control of the third quarter changed the game
Jokic's stat line reflected his influence, finishing with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists. But it was his play in the third quarter that helped swing the momentum.
"We just found a way to win," he said.
Murray finished with 20 points, six boards, and seven assists. All four of his turnovers came before halftime.
Bench support added to the defensive change
The impact went beyond just the starting five.
"We were more physical, stopped turning the ball over, and didn't give up backdoor cuts," Bruce Brown said postgame.
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Zeke Nnaji and Peyton Watson both helped Denver clean up its perimeter defence, allowing fewer clean looks from deep.
The Warriors managed only 19 points in the fourth quarter, struggling to find any of the flow they had earlier in the game.
Denver found the spark needed in the second half
"Take the challenge… look yourself in the mirror," Tim Hardaway Jr said.
The numbers backed up that approach. The Nuggets finished at 50 per cent from the field and 47.5 per cent from three, combining defensive control with consistent shot-making.
Denver has reached this level before, but it's often been in short bursts. This time, it stretched across two halves and gave them a full sample of what they've shown in flashes this season.
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The test now is whether that play sticks around or fades back into inconsistency.
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