Michael Adams

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In their history, the Nuggets have this handful players under 6-feet tall that immediately skyrocketed to become fan favorites – and the 5-foot-10 Michael Adams may just be at the top of the list. He was, very simply, fun to watch.

He checked in just under the bell in the decade with the Nuggets, playing three of his four seasons with the team in the late 1980s – and the Hartford, Conn., native lit it up for Doug Moe with one of the most unique shots in the league’s history.

It was a push shot. The attempt started low, and his left hand came off the ball early. By the time he was following through, it looked like the ball was being pushed toward the rim. And it was accurate: Adams set an NBA record at the time for consecutive games made with at least one 3-pointer at 78, from Jan. 28, 1988 to Jan. 23, 1989.

And in that respect, his 3-point shooting, Adams was light years ahead of his time.

He still tops the Nuggets all-time charts in 3-pointers attempted with 6.1 per game, and from an era where the 3-point shot was used sparingly at best. He’s tied for first in 3-pointers made per game in Nuggets’ history with 2.1.

Adams was lightning-quick, had great vision and was a high-level decision-maker. He’s fifth in team history in total assists (2,181), eighth in steals (602), second in total 3-pointers made (630), second in total 3-pointers attempted (1,841) and is eighth in free throw percentage (85.3 percent).

Adams started 75 games for the 1987-88 Nuggets, which won 54 games – a franchise record at the time – and advanced to the second round of the Western Conference playoffs. Paired in the backcourt with Fat Lever, who had his number retired by the Nuggets this season, the duo made the Nuggets fast and difficult to stop.

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We Love the (Nuggets) 80s: Michael Adams

The Nuggets invite fans to look back at our organization's past all season long! As part of the team’s 50th Anniversary, the Nuggets will hold four “Decade Nights” highlighting players, teams and coaches from each era of team history.

ABA NIGHT: Thursday, November 9 vs OKC Thunder at 830pm.

1980s Night: Friday, January 12 vs Memphis Grizzlies at 7pm.

1990s Night: Saturday, January 27 vs Dallas Mavericks at 7pm.

2000s Night: Friday, February 23 vs San Antonio Spurs at 7pm.

The decade nights kick off with the ABA era. Spencer Haywood, Ralph Simpson, and Chuck Williams will join the festivities for fan autographs and a special halftime ceremony.

To celebrate the 80's era, Wayne Cooper, Michael Adams, and Mike Evans will join the nights happenings.

Nuggets greats Antonio McDyess, LaPhonso Ellis, and Robert Pack are set to bring us back to the 90s.

To round the celebration of the Nuggets out, Kenyon Martin, Marcus Camby, and Allen Iverson will reunite at Pepsi Center.

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Nuggets 50th Anniversary Decade Nights

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Nuggets Photos A-Z: Michael Adams

From Alex English to Zendon Hamilton, more than 340 players have suited up for the Denver Nuggets since the team joined the NBA in 1976.

The all-time roster includes All-Stars, Hall of Famers, benchwarmers and everything in between.

As part of a month-long tribute to some of the most popular players to call Denver home, we are taking a look at the Nuggets from A to Z.

As NBA teams tried to figure out how to incorporate the 3-point line into their game plan in the 1980s, Adams brought 3-pointer en vogue while playing for the Nuggets from 1987-91.

At 5-foot-10, 165 pounds, Adams was a speedy guard who could blow past defenders in transition or simply pull up to drain a dagger from the 3-point line. He set an NBA record by making at least one 3-pointer in 79 straight games from Jan. 28, 1988 to Jan. 23, 1989.

The mark was surpassed by Dana Barros (89 consecutive games) in 1996. Kyle Korver then leapfrogged both Adams and Barros last season when his streak reached 127 games before ending last season.

Playing alongside Nuggets greats English and Fat Lever in the late 80s, Adams was a catalyst in the great offenses under coach Doug Moe. He averaged 13.9 points and 6.1 assists as Denver advanced to the Western Conference finals in 1987-88.

Adams averaged a team-leading 26.5 points in 1990-91 before being traded to the Washington Wizards on June 11, 1991.

Adams did it all for the Nuggets against the New Jersey Nets at McNichols Arena. Leading the uptempo offense for coach Paul Westhead, Adams scored 45 points and added 11 rebounds and 12 assists for his first career triple-double. Denver held on for a 123-119 victory to run its winning streak to a season-best five games.

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Denver Nuggets A to Z: Michael Adams

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Come out to the Denver Nuggets 2022-23 Draft Party Thursday, June 23rd @ 6:00 p.m. at Tom's Watch Bar, presented by Miller Lite! 

Watch your Denver Nuggets make their pick, win team signed gear, and meet Super Mascot Rocky! For more information <a href="https://www.nba.com/nuggets/watch-parties">Click Here</a>