The Nuggets have largely been humming along this season, but they’ve gone just 3-2 since losing Christian Braun to an ankle injury. It’s no surprise to those around the team, but the rest of the league is seeing just how important Braun is to everything the Nuggets do on both ends of the floor.
He’s their best perimeter defender, and often matches up with the opponent’s best creator. He’s also a rock-solid passer and rebounder, and a guy who scored over 15 points a game last season. He’s a huge part of the transition game as well, and he has excellent chemistry with Nikola Jokic.