Nuggets Hold Off Kings in Emotional Return for Westbrook, showcase Depth
Denver, CO - November 4, 2025 – The Denver Nuggets navigated a spirited challenge from the Sacramento Kings Monday night, securing a 117-107 victory at Ball Arena. The game was particularly poignant with the return of russell Westbrook and Dario Šarić,both former fan favorites in Denver. The Nuggets, coming off a loss where they relinquished control, will now host the red-hot Miami Heat on Wednesday.
A Night of Tributes and Tough Play
The atmosphere was charged as Westbrook and Šarić stepped back onto the Denver court. Šarić received a warm welcome with a jumbotron graphic and applause. Westbrook, however, was met with a standing ovation following a heartfelt minute-long video tribute honoring his impactful season with the team. He responded with a dominant performance, leading sacramento with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists – despite also turning the ball over six times.
DeMar DeRozan and Dennis Schroder also provided meaningful offensive punch for the Kings, combining for 37 points. Nique Clifford, a Colorado native who played for both the University of Colorado and Colorado State, contributed 8 points and 3 assists off the bench.
Adelman Experiments with Rotation, Highlights Depth
Nuggets coach David Adelman continued to demonstrate a willingness to experiment with his rotation. For the frist time this season, he deployed an all-bench unit in the first half, giving young guard Julian Strawther extended minutes typically reserved for Jamal Murray.
While Strawther initially struggled with a turnover, he quickly adjusted, showcasing strong defensive awareness and contesting shots effectively. This move underscores Adelman’s commitment to developing the team’s depth, a point he emphasized recently: “Nikola Jokic‘s sub rotation is game-by-game under David Adelman: ‘The depth helps’“.
The all-bench lineup held its own, being outscored by only one point in over five minutes of play. This proved the value of the Nuggets’ bench and their ability to contribute meaningfully.
Jokic Closes Strong, Brown Provides Consistent Impact
As the kings chipped away at an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter, Adelman strategically re-inserted Jokic with 8:15 remaining. A fast timeout and consecutive three-pointers from Jokic and Bruce Brown immediately shifted the momentum back in Denver’s favor.
Brown, while not a flashy scorer, continues to be a vital contributor with his hustle, defensive intensity, and all-around solid play. He finished the night with 10 points, adding to his consistent impact.
Johnson’s Shooting Struggles, But Finds Other Ways to Contribute
Cam Johnson had a difficult night shooting, going 0-for-5 from beyond the arc. Tho, he remained effective in other facets of the game, particularly as a cutter. He managed 10 points, showcasing his ability to impact the game even when his shot isn’t falling.
Johnson has been dealing with shoulder pain over the last week,which may be contributing to his shooting slump. he displayed flashes of brilliance,including a give-and-go with Jokic and aggressive offensive rebounding.
Looking Ahead
The Nuggets demonstrated resilience and depth in their victory over the kings.You can expect Adelman to continue to refine the rotation as the season progresses, leveraging the team’s strengths and developing young players.
Denver now turns its attention to a challenging matchup against the Miami Heat on Wednesday. If you want to stay up-to-date on all things Nuggets, sign up for the Nuggets Insider for exclusive analysis and insights.
Key Takeaways:
* Westbrook’s Return: The former Nugget delivered a strong performance against his old team.
* Adelman’s rotation: The coach is actively experimenting with lineups to maximize depth.
* Jokic’s Clutch Play: The reigning MVP closed the game strong, providing crucial scoring.
* Brown’s Consistent Impact: A
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