Nuggets, Thunder Coaches Discuss Expectations for Rematch After Fracas

Neither team plans to change approach ahead of highly anticipated Monday matchup following on-court incident

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder are set to face off on Monday, their first meeting since a heated on-court incident in their previous matchup on February 27. Nuggets coach David Adelman and Thunder coach Mark Daigneault discussed their expectations for the rematch, acknowledging the competitive rivalry between the two teams and the need to keep emotions in check while playing an intense, physical style of basketball.

Why it matters

The Nuggets-Thunder rivalry has intensified in recent years due to their frequent matchups as division rivals, including a playoff series last season. The on-court fracas in their previous game raised tensions between the teams, making this rematch an important test of their ability to compete at a high level while maintaining composure.

The details

In the previous game on February 27, a collision between Thunder's Lu Dort and Nuggets' star Nikola Jokic nearly sparked a fight, with Jokic confronting Dort after the play. Both coaches acknowledged the frequency of the teams' matchups and the heightened emotions that come with playoff-like intensity. Thunder coach Daigneault admitted his previous comments about the officiating were "ill-timed", while Nuggets coach Adelman said his team needs to play with the same intensity as last time to have a chance at winning.

  • The Nuggets and Thunder will face off on Monday, March 11, 2026.
  • Their previous matchup, which included the on-court incident, was on February 27, 2026.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The star player for the Denver Nuggets who was involved in the on-court incident with Thunder's Lu Dort in the previous game.

Lu Dort

The Oklahoma City Thunder player who collided with Nikola Jokic, leading to the on-court fracas in the previous game.

David Adelman

The head coach of the Denver Nuggets.

Mark Daigneault

The head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think my comments, if I'm being honest, helped after the game. I thought the timing of them was insensitive. I was in the mode of protecting my team moving forward. It was just ill-timed.”

— Mark Daigneault, Thunder Head Coach (Denver Gazette)

“We didn't talk about it. I think our guys understand what this is. Both teams are extremely competitive. We play each other all the time.”

— David Adelman, Nuggets Head Coach (Denver Gazette)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.