Nuggets Coach David Adelman Blasts Referees: Did Nikola Jokić Get Robbed of Crucial Fouls in Game 6?

Nikola Jokić, the Denver Nuggets’ powerhouse and three-time MVP, once again put up solid stats during Game 6 against the Los Angeles Clippers—but this time, it felt like the numbers didn’t tell the whole story. Nuggets head coach David Adelman didn’t hold back, slamming the referees for what he saw as a glaring blind spot in officiating, especially when it came to missed fouls on Jokić. It seems the Clippers’ strategy of sticking smaller defenders on the big man and playing a gritty, physical brand of defense went unchecked — allowing them to throw their weight around without consequence. Just two free throws for the Nuggets’ star? Adelman called it “absolutely crazy,” and frankly, it’s hard not to agree. Despite a strong first half by Jokić, the team’s struggles to draw whistles and adjust to the Clippers’ rough tactics might’ve been the very thing that tipped the scales in L.A.’s favor by the final buzzer. As the Nuggets gear up for a high-stakes Game 7, all eyes will be on how the officials read the room — and whether Jokić finally gets the calls he’s been starved of.
LEARN MORE

If Adelman’s comments influence the refs to call more fouls, Jokić should find himself at the free-throw line more often. That’s only going to help the Nuggets as the team fights to keep its postseason hopes alive in Game 7.Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić put up strong numbers in the team’s Game 6 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night, but David Adelman thought the three-time MVP deserved more. The Nuggets head coach called out officials for missing fouls against Jokić in the loss.Given those struggles, and Jokić’s inability to get to the line, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Adelman lobbied for his star player to get more calls. And while the Clippers had more free-throw attempts — 15 to 9 — in the game, officials generally kept the whistles to a minimum. A total of 31 fouls were called in the contest.

Given those struggles, and Jokić’s inability to get to the line, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Adelman lobbied for his star player to get more calls. And while the Clippers had more free-throw attempts — 15 to 9 — in the game, officials generally kept the whistles to a minimum. A total of 31 fouls were called in the contest.

AdvertisementWhile getting to the free-throw line more would have boosted Jokić’s stats, the center still managed a good performance in Game 6. He led the Nuggets with 25 points, and added eight assists and seven rebounds in the loss.Advertisement