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**OKLAHOMA CITY**— The Denver Nuggets are unconcerned about Draymond Green’s grievances regarding their new tagline. Nor do they seem fazed by Baron Davis’ comments.
It’s well recognized that “We Believe” served as the rallying cry for the iconic Golden State Warriors, who, as an eighth seed, shocked the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in 2007, with Davis starring as their point guard. However, after the tumultuous month they’ve faced — highlighted by the unexpected dismissals of their coach and general manager just three games before the end of the regular season, followed by their gritty seven-game series victory against the LA Clippers — the Nuggets aren’t feeling remorseful about borrowing this motivational phrase.
That sentiment has only intensified following the tumult of events that unfolded on Monday night in Oklahoma City.
Inside the visiting locker room of the Thunder’s Paycom Center, where the Nuggets surged back from a nine-point deficit to secure a remarkable Game 1 victory over one of the all-time great regular-season teams in their second-round series, Nuggets-branded T-shirts and towels emblazoned with that very slogan were visible — the same ones that had drawn ire from Green and Davis on a recent podcast.
The phrase “We Believe” may lack originality, but it has taken on fresh significance in recent days. Interim coach David Adelman, previously an assistant under Michael Malone for eight seasons, has been met with enthusiastic endorsement from players who had grown disillusioned with his predecessor’s tough approach. Interim general manager Ben Tenzer, a 16-year veteran of the organization and former vice president of basketball operations, is adopting a more collaborative and caring approach, especially after Calvin Booth’s harsh methods led to his exit.
It appears that the negative atmosphere which prompted team president and owner’s son Josh Kroenke to instigate such sweeping changes has greatly improved.
While Green suggested on a podcast that the Nuggets should face repercussions for their marketing choice, the likelihood of any such action is quite low. Especially considering that the concept reportedly originated from the same Josh Kroenke who holds the authority to make such changes.
As Nuggets guard Jamal Murray succinctly put it, “Draymond’s always gonna talk.”
*Insert shrug emoji — and a smiley face — here.*
Interestingly, neither the Nuggets nor the Warriors possess the rights to use the “We Believe” slogan on their merchandise; that privilege belongs to a brand named “47 Brand.” Thus, when Denver returns to Ball Arena for Game 3 on Friday, they’ll revert to their uncomplicated “Keep Climbing” slogan.
In truth, the resilient Nuggets would relish the chance to shock the Thunder in this series and potentially face Green directly in a Western Conference finals showdown (the Warriors currently lead their own series against Minnesota 1-0).
“It might sound cliché, but it’s genuinely true,” said Nuggets big man and veteran spokesperson DeAndre Jordan in an interview with The Athletic regarding the mantra. “We have faith in one another. We believe in our capabilities. We’ve got many talented individuals in this room who have proven they can contribute to winning. The atmosphere is simply us against the world. We trust this group.”
Jordan further commented on the support from Adelman: “Having DA (Adelman) at the helm now, people perceive us as a wounded team after letting go of our coach and GM with three games left in the season. If I were on another squad, I’d think similarly. However, this has fostered a stronger bond among us. We’ve grown more resilient.”
The bottom line: the Nuggets are focused on the progress they are making.
Nikola Jokić continues to perform at a remarkable standard that has propelled them to this stage, and there’s been a notable increase in his vocal leadership. Many believe that Adelman’s subtler, more collaborative approach has encouraged Jokić to speak up more than before, with his prominent example emerging in the second quarter of Game 1.
“We are just speaking honestly, and we’re accepting the situation,” Jokić remarked afterward, reflecting on the team’s culture. “We simply want to win, right? The positive energy within the team is palpable, and hopefully we can sustain this level of play and maintain this feeling.”
With Michael Porter Jr. hampered by a shoulder injury from Game 2 against the Clippers, Aaron Gordon — despite battling a significant calf injury — has stepped up considerably. His game-winning dunk in Game 6 against the Clippers was already a highlight of the playoffs, and he added another with a clutch 3-pointer just 2.8 seconds before the final buzzer on Monday.
His extraordinary playoff journey carries extra weight following the tragic loss of his 33-year-old brother, Drew, in a car accident last May. When it was time for Aaron to face the media after Game 1, he was joined on stage by two of his nephews, whom he has diligently supported since their father’s passing.
The list of Nuggets stepping up over the past month is extensive. Murray, known for his playoff prowess, is particularly enjoying the recent mood improvements. He registered 21 points, six rebounds, six assists, and a plus-12 rating in Game 1 against the Thunder.
“We’ve been striving to advance positively,” Murray shared with The Athletic about the previous month. “Malone had a close bond with everyone — he won a championship, faced challenges. He truly ingrained the culture among the core who’d been together — Jokić, (former Nugget) Gary Harris, myself, and Mike. We’ve been together for quite a while.”
Yet, the allure of Adelman as interim coach also lies in his nearly 10 years of experience within this group.
“He commands the locker room’s attention, and that’s all you can ask for,” Murray added. “He knows his stuff and trusts our group and our individual capabilities. He has done an exceptional job. It’s challenging to sustain that level of consistency game after game, but I think his contributions have often been overlooked, considering our winning streak and the remarkable performances.”
Adelman’s contract is set to conclude after this season, and Kroenke is likely weighing the potential of positioning him in a permanent head coaching role as he considers the recent coaching transition. Adelman has previously interviewed for head coaching positions with the Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Charlotte Hornets, and is widely regarded as a rising coaching talent. At this juncture, with the Nuggets rekindling their belief after a seemingly lost season, his prospects of securing the role beyond this year are looking increasingly favorable.
“I feel more at ease every day,” Adelman said to The Athletic. “Life is about taking it one day at a time, and for me, the most significant aspect is being part of this team. I’m just filling a role, and everyone else is stepping up.
“I’ve known these players for quite some time, so the relationships and trust are established. It’s about us aligning again, them acclimating to my approach. But fundamentally, it’s not about me; it’s about what they’re achieving. Being part of this process right now is incredibly rewarding.”
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Sam Amick serves as a senior NBA writer for The Athletic, with nearly two decades of experience covering the league at outlets such as USA Today, Sports Illustrated, AOL FanHouse, and the Sacramento Bee. Follow Sam on Twitter @sam_amick.
