David Adelman, in his first game as interim coach of the Denver Nuggets, made a significant decision by reducing Russell Westbrook's playing time dramatically. On the court against the Sacramento Kings, Westbrook logged only 16 minutes, a stark contrast to his season average of 28 minutes. This decision came amid a four-game losing streak for the Nuggets, and many observers noted the positive transformation in team dynamics following Westbrook’s diminished role.

Under Adelman, the Nuggets not only snapped their losing streak but also displayed improved team cohesion, particularly through the performance of Jalen Pickett, who scored 18 points in an expanded role. The coaching change appears to have been a necessary step to restore accountability among players, as previous coach Michael Malone faced criticism for allegedly giving Westbrook special treatment despite his inconsistent play. Adelman’s bold move could signify a pivotal shift in the Nuggets' approach as they head into the playoff push.