Denver Nuggets Coach David Adelman Fined $35,000 After Heated Ejection vs. Rockets

DENVER — The NBA has fined Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman $35,000 for directing inappropriate language toward game officials and failing to leave the court in a timely manner following his ejection in Saturday’s 115–101 loss to the Houston Rockets.

Adelman was tossed early in the fourth quarter after receiving his second technical foul during a heated dispute over a non‑call involving Nikola Jokić. According to league statements, the coach continued arguing after the ejection, prompting the additional disciplinary action.

The incident unfolded during one of Denver’s most frustrating performances of the season. The Nuggets’ offense sputtered to a season‑low 101 points, snapping their six‑game winning streak and amplifying tensions on the sideline. Multiple reports noted that Adelman was caught on a hot mic using explicit language toward an official before being removed from the game.

Saturday’s ejection marked Adelman’s first as an NBA head coach, adding an unwelcome footnote to a night in which Denver struggled to find rhythm on either end of the floor.

Houston’s win also avenged a loss to the Nuggets earlier in the week, further intensifying the emotional backdrop of the confrontation.