Denver Nuggets management disagreed with George Karl's playoff adjustments and minute distribution decisions, according to sources with knowledge of the dynamic.

Nuggets management believed Karl panicked by trying to match up with the Golden State Warriors’ small-ball approach after Game 1 of the Western Conference quarterfinals.

JaVale McGee’s playing time was also a source of consternation for Nuggets management.

McGee averaged just 18.1 minutes per game after signing a four-year, $44 million contract with the Nuggets last summer.