Nuggets Coach Criticizes Referees and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander After Game 4
Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman didn’t hold back in his post-game comments following a 92-87 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, which tied their Western Conference Semifinals series 2-2.
The Nuggets got off to a slow start in Game 4, managing only eight points in the first quarter. However, the Thunder weren’t much better, finishing the quarter with just 17 points. Denver improved offensively in the second and third quarters, scoring 61 points combined, but struggled again in the fourth, adding only 18 points to their total.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with a solid performance of 27 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals. Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander matched Jokic with 25 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals.
Gilgeous-Alexander has been a source of frustration for the Nuggets throughout the series, with Denver believing he’s been receiving favorable calls from the referees. He attempted 12 free throws in Game 4 and has accumulated 37 free throws in the series so far.
After the game, Adelman shared his thoughts on Shai’s ability to draw fouls and the officiating:
“You hope there’s a balance. If Shai is allowed to use his off-arm, which he’s very good at, we hope the refs will let us use our bodies as well. It should go both ways,” Adelman said. “That said, the guy is still incredibly hard to guard. I thought Christian did a great job late in the game, keeping his hands up and showing the refs that they weren’t in there. He’s a master at drawing fouls, but he’s an amazing player.”
With the series now tied, home-court advantage shifts back to the Thunder. However, the Nuggets have proven they’re capable of winning on the road.
Game 5 will take place on Tuesday.
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