NBA Coach of the Year 2025–26 Season: David Adelman Rises As Nuggets Join Streaking Thunder & Pistons Atop League Standings (Nov. 17)

Seven NBA teams are riding winning streaks of at least three games with roughly a seventh of the 2025-26 season completed, and the top of the standings is beginning to take shape.

In the Western Conference, the OKC Thunder lead the way with a five-game streak, while the No. 2 Denver Nuggets have won seven straight, the No. 3 Houston Rockets four in a row and the No. 7 Golden State Warriors three consecutive games.

Out East, the No. 1 Detroit Pistons have claimed nine straight wins, the No. 4 Atlanta Hawks five, and the No. 5 Toronto Raptors three in a row.

So how have these streaks affected the NBA Coach of the Year race? Here’s a look at the top five contenders.

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NBA Coach of the Year Power Rankings

#5. Ime Udoka (Last week’s ranking: Unranked)

Making his first appearance in this week’s rankings is Ime Udoka, a finalist last year, as the Rockets’ win streak pushes them into the Western Conference’s top three.

Last year, defense defined Udoka's Rockets, but with Kevin Durant added, they are now an offensive powerhouse with the league's best offensive rating (123.4).

What makes this even more impressive is that they are achieving it without supposed starting point guard Fred VanVleet.

#4. JJ Redick (Last week’s ranking: #3)

JJ Redick drops one spot as the Coach of the Year race tightens. The Lakers, still without LeBron James, have surged to a 10-4 record and sit fourth in the West.

Their recent 29-point loss to OKC shows they still have progress to make before being considered true contenders, but Redick’s Lakers bounced back with consecutive double-digit victories.

With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves leading the way, they have remained strong despite injuries, and their offensive efficiency is highlighted by a league-best 61.3% shooting from 2-point range.

T-#2. David Adelman (Last week’s ranking: #5)

Denver Nuggets coach David Adelman is this week’s biggest mover. In his first full season as permanent head coach, he has guided the Nuggets to a 10-2 start.

With Nikola Jokic leading the way, Denver ranks first in field-goal percentage and fifth in assists, also ranking fourth in rebounds per game while drawing the most fouls in the league.

Jokic’s league-leading 10.8 assists and 13.0 rebounds per game power this success, but Adelman deserves credit for a system that lets Jokic play his fewest minutes per game in three seasons without losing production.

Their seven-game win streak included victories over Minnesota, the Clippers, Golden State and Miami, pushing the Nuggets to second-best offensive, defensive and net ratings.

T-#2. JB Bickerstaff (Last week’s ranking: #2)

The Detroit Pistons are atop the Eastern Conference with a league-best nine-game winning streak and an 11-2 record. JB Bickerstaff has overseen the team’s rise, relying on stars Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, who is posting career highs in points and rebounds.

The Pistons’ growth has been evident, adding veterans but leaning on key players. The team ranks in the top three in the league for rebounds, steals and blocks per game.

With the East considered wide open this season, Detroit’s leap under Bickerstaff has been significant.

#1. Mark Daigneault (Last week’s ranking: #1)

OKC Thunder coach Mark Daigneault remains at No. 1 for the third straight week, guiding his 13-1 team with top defensive and net ratings.

The Thunder’s league-leading defensive rating of 102.8 sits nearly seven points ahead of the Nuggets, who are second at 109.4. For context, that margin is roughly the same as the difference between Denver and the 20th-ranked Memphis Grizzlies.

Even with Jalen Williams yet to debut and Chet Holmgren missing games, Daigneault has kept his young team focused and disciplined, winning over the Warriors and Lakers.

Looking ahead, the Thunder face the Pelicans, Kings, and Jazz — matchups that could further cement their league-best standing.

Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro