November 10th 2024.
Jamal Murray, the star guard for the Denver Nuggets, was on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury. The team was struggling to make up for his absence and needed someone to step up and score. It was November 17th, 2023 and the Nuggets were playing against the New Orleans Pelicans. Murray turned to his locker-room neighbor, Christian Braun, and issued a challenge. He wanted to be entertained and he knew Braun had the potential to score.
Braun, a 22-year-old guard, accepted the challenge and stepped up to the plate. He hit three 3-pointers that game and went on to score a career-high 25 points. Although some may question whether those 3-pointers were legitimate step-back shots, Braun's performance showed a glimpse of his scoring potential.
Since then, Braun has continued to impress on the court. He was recently promoted to the Nuggets' starting lineup and has been averaging 16.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, a block, and a steal per game. Coach Michael Malone has even praised his defense and third-year leap on offense. Braun's shooting percentages have significantly improved, with a 55.8% field goal percentage and a 50% 3-point percentage.
Murray has been a huge influence on Braun's improvement. They sit next to each other in the locker room and often sit next to each other on the road as well. Braun has learned a lot from observing Murray and has even started using hot packs during halftime to keep his knees and ankles warm, just like Murray does. Murray constantly challenges Braun to be more aggressive and take more shots, and it has been paying off.
Even without Murray in the lineup due to a concussion, he still finds ways to motivate Braun. Before a game against the undefeated Oklahoma City Thunder, Murray told Braun to show them the player he was in New Orleans. Braun responded by scoring 24 points and hitting four 3-pointers in a win.
Braun's role as a starter has been a learning experience for him. He has had to adjust to playing more minutes and taking on a bigger defensive responsibility. But with Murray and Jokic as his mentors, he has been able to handle the pressure and continue to improve his game.
One of the biggest challenges for Braun has been resisting the instinct to head straight to the bench at halftime. He has had to learn to stay warm and mentally prepared during the break. But with the guidance of Murray and Jokic, he has been able to adapt and excel in his new role.
Murray continues to push Braun to be the best player he can be, and Braun is grateful for his guidance. He knows there will be ups and downs throughout the season, but he is determined to maintain a consistent routine and continue to learn and improve. With the support of his teammates and coaches, Braun is confident he can handle the increased minutes and responsibility as a starter for the Denver Nuggets.
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