Russell Westbrook (Denver Nuggets)
Confirmed on Tuesday, May 28
Russell Westbrook is undergoing surgery on his right hand to repair two fractures sustained during the season.
Despite playing 75 games with heavy finger taping in the playoffs, the 36-year-old now enters recovery. He has until June 29 to decide on a $3.3M player option.
David Adelman (Denver Nuggets)
May 2025
The Denver Nuggets have officially promoted David Adelman to head coach, removing his interim tag after he led the team to a Game 7 in the Western Conference semifinals against top-seeded Oklahoma City. Adelman took over following the surprise firing of Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth with just three regular-season games remaining.
Nuggets president Josh Kroenke praised Adelman’s leadership and relationship with players, especially Nikola Jokić, saying he preferred Adelman’s internal knowledge over hiring an outsider. Adelman had been Malone’s top assistant for eight years and guided the Nuggets through a turbulent yet promising postseason. Kroenke also acknowledged the team’s depth concerns and hinted at the need for offseason improvement despite limited draft capital.
Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)
May 2025
Nikola Jokić became the third player in NBA history to finish top-2 in MVP voting for five straight seasons, joining legends Bill Russell and Larry Bird.
Jokić finished second in 2025 behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, adding to MVP wins in 2021, 2023, and 2024, and a second-place finish in 2022. He averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists this season — one of the most statistically dominant years ever, yet not enough to claim the award.
Michael Malone (Denver Nuggets > ESPN)
May 2025
Former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone will join ESPN’s NBA Countdown team for the Western Conference finals between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Malone, fired by Denver just before the playoffs despite leading the team to their first NBA title in 2023, will contribute on-site alongside Malika Andrews, Stephen A. Smith, Bob Myers, Kendrick Perkins, and Shams Charania. He replaces his coaching duties with a studio analyst role.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets
May 19, 2025
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points as OKC routed Denver 125-93 in Game 7 to advance to the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2016.
After trailing by 11 early, the Thunder dominated with a 39-20 second quarter and never looked back. Jalen Williams added 24 points, and OKC exposed Denver’s zone defense. They will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 on Tuesday.
Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)
May 16, 2025 (Game 6)
Despite battling illness, Jamal Murray powered the Denver Nuggets to a 119-107 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 of their Western Conference semifinals. He posted 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Murray received IV fluids and was only cleared to play 45 minutes before tipoff. He played 42 minutes and sparked Denver’s early momentum with 11 first-quarter points. Nikola Jokic added 29 points and 14 rebounds. The series heads to a decisive Game 7 in OKC on Sunday.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets
Sunday, Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals
The Thunder outlasted the Nuggets 92-87, tying the series 2-2 after shutting out Denver 12-0 in clutch time, a reversal from earlier games.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 9 of his 25 points in the fourth, while OKC’s bench, led by Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins, sparked an 11-0 rally. Denver’s late miscues, including a five-second violation, proved costly.
Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
Sunday, Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals
Jokic endured his third consecutive poor shooting game, going 7-of-22 and missing key free throws late as OKC defeated Denver 92-87 to level the series.
OKC’s Isaiah Hartenstein anchored disciplined team defense to contain Jokic, who’s now shooting just 33.3% over his last three games. SGA closed out the game with clutch buckets, helping erase an 8-point deficit in the fourth.
Aaron Gordon (Denver Nuggets)
May 6, 2025 (Game 1, Western Conference Semifinals)
Aaron Gordon hit a game-winning three-pointer with under four seconds left, capping a 14-point comeback as the Nuggets edged the Thunder 121–119 in Game 1 of their playoff series.
Gordon, who transformed his shooting game by training obsessively in a home gym, drained his second game-winner of the postseason. Jokic added 42 points and 22 rebounds, fueling Denver’s late 15–4 run.
Denver Nuggets
May 2025
After firing coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth near season’s end, the Nuggets stormed back to defeat the Clippers 120-101 in Game 7, showcasing a deep team performance that echoed their 2023 championship run.
Despite Jokic’s quiet night (16 pts), Denver’s bench — led by Braun and Westbrook — overwhelmed LA, with six players scoring double digits. Westbrook hit 42% from 3, exploiting defensive gaps. The Nuggets now face the Thunder in Round 2.
