Basketball Genius in Denver: The Nuggets’ Offense, Adelman’s Playbook, and the Rise of a Championship Machine
The Denver Nuggets are redefining offensive basketball in the NBA. Their system is a masterclass in movement, spacing, and decision-making, orchestrated by one of the league’s brightest young coaches, David Adelman, and quarterbacked by the transcendent Nikola Jokić. In an era dominated by pace and isolation, Denver stands out for their deliberate tempo, intricate play calls, and relentless execution. Despite playing at the 23rd fastest pace in the league, they lead the NBA in offensive rating and points per game—a testament to their cerebral approach and the unique talent on their roster.
David Adelman: A New Coaching Era
After the Nuggets parted ways with longtime coach Michael Malone midway through last season, many wondered if the team could maintain its championship trajectory. David Adelman, previously an assistant, stepped into the lead role and immediately established himself as one of the NBA’s best tacticians. His play calling has unlocked new dimensions in Denver’s offense, allowing them to thrive despite injuries and roster changes.
Adelman’s genius lies in his ability to blend classic sets with modern wrinkles, adapting to personnel and exploiting defensive weaknesses. The Nuggets aren’t just winning—they’re teaching a masterclass in basketball IQ every night.
The Genius of the Nuggets’ Offensive Sets
Denver’s offensive scheme is a tapestry of screens, handoffs, and reads. The team runs a dizzying array of actions that keep defenses guessing and create open looks for shooters and cutters alike.
One signature set involves attacking with multiple screens. Johnson sets the first screen and pops out, while Jokić rolls to the rim off the second screen. Jamal Murray then reads the defense and attacks the basket. If the help comes, the ball swings to an open shooter; if not, it’s an easy finish at the rim.
Another favorite is the inverted rip action, where the defense is forced to choose between helping on a dribble handoff or covering a shooter like Cam Johnson. If the help comes, Johnson gets a clean look from three; if not, Murray pulls up for the jumper. These actions, often initiated with two back screens, force defenses into impossible positions and create high-percentage opportunities.
Denver also utilizes “Horns” sets, with Murray coming off a screen from Spencer Jones. Even when the primary option is covered, the Nuggets seamlessly flow into their deadly pick-and-roll game, featuring Murray and Jokić—the best two-man combo in basketball.
The Jokić Effect: The Best Player in the World
At the heart of Denver’s offense is Nikola Jokić, arguably the best playmaker in NBA history at his size. Standing seven feet tall, Jokić sees the floor like a point guard and manipulates defenses with his passing, footwork, and scoring touch.
Jokić’s versatility is unmatched. He’s just as comfortable initiating offense from the top of the key as he is operating in the post. When isolated in the middle of the floor, surrounded by shooters and with a big in the dunker spot, doubling him becomes nearly impossible. If the defense sends two, Jokić instantly finds the open man for a three. If not, he scores with ease.
His post game is a clinic in fundamentals. Jokić routinely catches the ball with two feet in the paint—a death sentence for defenders. His footwork, balance, and touch make him the best post scorer in the league. Last night, he dropped 36 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists, shooting a staggering 14-of-16 from the field and 42% from three for the season.
Jokić’s statistical brilliance is backed by efficiency: nearly 30 points, 12.8 rebounds, 11 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, while shooting 62% from the field and 42% from three on five attempts per game. His ability to read and react is the engine that drives Denver’s offense.
Jamal Murray: The Perfect Counterpunch
Jamal Murray is having a career year, thriving as Jokić’s running mate in the pick-and-roll. While he had an off night recently (nine assists in 25 minutes, but just 4-of-13 shooting), Murray’s overall numbers are elite: 24.4 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds in 35 minutes per game, shooting 50% from the field and 44% from three.
Murray’s ability to score in bunches—like his 25-point first quarter against Charlotte—adds another layer of unpredictability to Denver’s attack. Over the past two weeks, he’s averaged 30 points, seven assists, and four rebounds, shooting 57% from the field and a jaw-dropping 61% from three on eight attempts per game. Murray’s growth as a playmaker and scorer has given the Nuggets a true second star and elevated their offense to historic levels.
Peyton Watson: Rising to the Challenge
With Aaron Gordon sidelined, Peyton Watson has stepped up as a dynamic contributor. Watson’s athleticism and energy have been crucial, especially in transition. He posted 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including 2-of-3 from three, and has averaged 16 points, 6.5 rebounds, two assists, and a block over his recent stretch, shooting 54% from the field and 44% from three.
Watson’s ability to run the floor, finish at the rim, and play off Jokić’s passing has made him a valuable piece in Denver’s rotation. His development is a testament to Adelman’s system, which empowers young players to contribute immediately.
Cam Johnson: The Missing Piece
Acquired in a bold offseason trade, Cam Johnson is starting to justify the Nuggets’ investment. Over his last 12 games, Johnson has shot 50% from the field and 49% from three, averaging 15 points per game while providing solid defense and fitting seamlessly into the team’s schemes.
Johnson’s shooting and versatility have given Denver another weapon, and his adaptation to Adelman’s system is a major reason for the Nuggets’ offensive surge.
Tim Hardaway Jr.: Veteran Sharpshooter
Tim Hardaway Jr. has found new life in Denver, averaging 12.2 points, 1.5 assists, and 2.1 rebounds in 25 minutes per game, while shooting 46% from the field and 41% from three on six attempts. His ability to space the floor and knock down shots has made him a perfect fit in the Nuggets’ offense.
Hardaway’s veteran presence and shooting have helped Denver maintain elite spacing, allowing Jokić and Murray to operate with maximum efficiency.
Jaylen Picket and the Bench Mob
Jaylen Picket has quietly contributed as a secondary playmaker, shooting 41% from three on limited attempts. While not as prolific as Hardaway, his ability to drive, kick, and move the ball keeps Denver’s offense humming when the starters rest.
The Nuggets’ bench, featuring Bruce Brown, Christian Braun, Hunter Tyson, and Jonas Valanciunas, has provided valuable minutes, especially with Gordon and Braun out. Valanciunas, in particular, has been a revelation as a backup center, averaging 8.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in just 13 minutes per game.
Per 36 minutes, Valanciunas is putting up All-NBA numbers: 24 points, 13 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 blocks. His efficiency and impact off the bench have been crucial in maintaining Denver’s depth.
The System: Why Denver’s Offense Works
What makes Denver’s offense so effective isn’t just the talent—it’s the system. Adelman’s playbook is built on constant movement, unselfish passing, and intelligent reads. The Nuggets rarely rely on isolation; instead, they use screens, handoffs, and spacing to create open looks and force defenses into tough decisions.
Every possession is a chess match, with Jokić as the grandmaster. The team’s ability to lift and activate defenses, play two-on-two on either side of the court, and exploit mismatches is unmatched. Even when primary options are covered, Denver seamlessly transitions into secondary actions, ensuring the offense never stalls.
Their deliberate pace allows them to maximize efficiency, leading the league in offensive rating despite playing slower than most teams. This approach minimizes turnovers, maximizes shot quality, and keeps opponents off balance.
Adaptation and Growth: New Faces, Same Excellence
Adelman’s greatest achievement may be his ability to integrate new players without missing a beat. Johnson, Hardaway, Watson, and Valanciunas have all adapted beautifully, contributing within the system and elevating their games.
The Nuggets’ culture of accountability and development ensures that every player knows their role and can step up when needed. Injuries and roster changes have not slowed Denver; if anything, they’ve highlighted the team’s depth and versatility.
The Championship Window: Can Anyone Stop Denver?
With Jokić playing at an MVP level, Murray ascending to stardom, and a supporting cast firing on all cylinders, the Nuggets look poised to defend their title and potentially start a dynasty. Their offense is a blend of genius and execution, and Adelman’s coaching has taken them to new heights.
The only question is whether anyone in the league can solve the puzzle that is Denver’s offense. As the season unfolds, the Nuggets remain the gold standard for basketball intelligence and teamwork.
Conclusion: A Masterclass in Modern Offense
The Denver Nuggets have built a juggernaut—an offense that combines talent, intelligence, and adaptability. Under David Adelman’s leadership, they’ve become the NBA’s most efficient and entertaining team, setting the bar for what modern basketball can be.
From Jokić’s wizardry to Murray’s scoring, Watson’s emergence, and the seamless integration of new faces, Denver’s story is one of innovation and excellence. As they chase another championship, the rest of the league will be watching, studying, and trying to catch up.
For fans, analysts, and aspiring players, the Nuggets are more than just contenders—they’re a masterclass in how basketball should be played.
