Nuggets' David Adelman Reveals What Was 'Funny' About Julian Strawther's Performance

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By JH Kubicek | Last updated May 16, 2025 12:18 PM ET

The Denver Nuggets boast two all-time great players on their roster. Russell Westbrook, despite his reputation as an inefficient shot-chucker, is one of the best point guards of all-time, and Nikola Jokic is in rare company, boasting three MVP awards.

Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr. are all excellent players in their own right, but in a win-or-go-home 119-107 win in Game 6 over the Oklahoma City Thunder, it was the often-overlooked Julian Strawther who saved the Nuggets.

In 19 minutes, Strawther offered a very efficient 15 points and played solid defense. The Thunder have had solid games from their role-players all series, and when they needed it most, Denver was able to give some responsibility to an overlooked wing.

"It's funny thinking about Game 5 and Game 4. Game 4, their role players make 3s. Game 5, Dort makes 3s," reflected David Adelman.

"Tonight, we had a guy step up, make some shots, and then our main people were so complimentary. Then obviously in the fourth quarter, to win that quarter after what's happened in the last two games says a lot about our guys and the fact that they can bounce back from anything. I keep saying that, so I don't know. We just keep finding a way. We'll go play another Game 7."

Denver has only won one of the three games in Oklahoma City so far this season, and will need a near-miracle to pull off a Game 7 upset and advance to the Western Conference Finals, although with Jokic leading the way and a supporting cast with a hot hand, it seems like anything could be possible.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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