Nuggets Struggle in Clutch Time Despite Jokic's Return

Coach David Adelman tries to find solutions as Denver's two-man game falters late in close games

Feb. 25, 2026 at 9:42pm

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The Denver Nuggets have struggled in clutch time this season despite the return of three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. First-year coach David Adelman acknowledged the team is trying to "maintain who we are, playing the two-man game without the things that matter behind it" as teams have adjusted their defensive schemes to limit Jokic and Jamal Murray. The Nuggets have been much better in non-clutch games with Jokic, going 20-3, but have a 6-13 record in clutch situations when he plays.

Why it matters

The Nuggets' struggles in clutch time are puzzling given their veteran experience and Jokic's elite talent. The team's inability to close out close games could impact their playoff positioning in the competitive Western Conference. Adelman is trying to find solutions, but the team's defensive lapses and turnover issues have been costly.

The details

In the 16 games Jokic missed due to injury, the Nuggets went 8-2 in clutch situations but 2-4 in non-clutch games. Since his return, the trend has flipped, with Denver going 20-3 in non-clutch games but just 6-13 in clutch time. The team's defensive rating has remained consistent, but their ability to protect the paint has deteriorated, allowing 68.8 paint points per 100 possessions in clutch situations, up from 36.2 when Jokic was out. Turnovers have also been an issue, "costing us some games throughout the season."

  • In Jokic's first 10 games back from injury, the Nuggets went 1-5 in clutch games.
  • The Nuggets worked on situational defensive drills in a practice on Tuesday.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The Nuggets' three-time MVP center who has struggled to close out close games since returning from injury.

Jamal Murray

The Nuggets' starting point guard who has been a key part of the team's two-man game with Jokic.

Aaron Gordon

The Nuggets' starting forward who is currently out with a hamstring injury, and whose presence in the "dunker spot" and on the perimeter provides an important element to the team's two-man game.

David Adelman

The Nuggets' first-year head coach who is trying to find solutions to the team's clutch-time struggles.

Peyton Watson

A Nuggets player who is currently out with a hamstring injury.

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What they’re saying

“We're trying to maintain who we are, playing the two-man game without the things that matter behind it.”

— David Adelman, Head Coach (Denver Post)

“I look at the clutch stuff and I go, 'Well it's crazy we were so clutch when it was a bunch of guys that weren't in the rotation to start the season.'”

— David Adelman, Head Coach (Denver Post)

“I've been more distressed about the four-minute mark on than the last two minutes. I think we've had so many screw-ups defensively.”

— David Adelman, Head Coach (Denver Post)

What’s next

The Nuggets will look to tighten up their defensive execution and communication in clutch situations as they await the return of injured players Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson. Coach Adelman also emphasized the need for better shot creation and decision-making from Jokic and Murray in close games.

The takeaway

The Nuggets' struggles in clutch time despite Jokic's return highlight the importance of complementary players and overall team execution, not just star power, in winning close games. Adelman and the Nuggets will need to find solutions to their late-game woes if they hope to secure a favorable playoff position in the West.