Jokic Leads Nuggets Into Game 7 After Coaching Change

Nikola Jokic has taken on a more vocal and empowered leadership role for the Denver Nuggets following the firing of head coach Michael Malone, with interim coach David Adelman and team insiders praising his increased influence. This shift has contributed to the Nuggets' strong playoff performance against the Los Angeles Clippers, highlighted by Jamal Murray's 43-point outburst and Jokic's triple-double in Game 5, which gave Denver a 3-2 series lead. However, the Clippers' defense limited Jokic in the second half of Game 6, leading to a loss that forced a decisive Game 7. Adelman has called for Jokic to be more aggressive offensively as the team faces elimination. Jokic's evolution as a leader has been credited with instilling renewed confidence and purpose in the team. The Nuggets now prepare for a high-stakes Game 7 to determine their postseason fate.