For much of the 2023-2024 and the 2024-2025 season so far, the main criticism of the Denver Nuggets was based on their lack of depth scoring behind Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokic, and MPJ. Against the T-Wolves in the NBA Western Conference Finals, the Wolves killed the Nuggets’ when the second units were on the court. For Peyton Watson, Christian Braun, and Julian Strawther, those were necessary lumps for their NBA growth. People forget how deep and well-developed the Nuggets were prior to COVID seasons. They drafted and/or developed PJ Dozier, Jarred Vanderbilt, Monte Morris, Gary Harris, and Malik Beasley as depth pieces.
Fast-forward to last night, the Nuggets were without Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon due to injury playing against the undefeated OKC Thunder. Nikola Jokic was dominant through three quarters, keeping the Nuggets tied at 95 entering the 4th Q (finished with 23-16-20). Russ had his best game in a Nuggets uniform, shooting 67 percent on 15 shots, including 3-4 from 3PT land, somehow still -14. However, I want to talk about the 4th Quarter play of the Baby Nuggets.
Jokic was subbed out after the end of the 3rd Quarter, and in came a Nuggets lineup of MPJ, Strawther, Russ, Hunter Tyson, and Zeke Nnaji ((shoutout Hopkins). In these non-Jokic minutes, the Nuggets battled competitively with multiple inside rotations from Hunter Tyson causing missed layups. Jokic, Braun, and Watson re-entered with about 8 mins left, 105-103 Thunder. During the final eight mins, the Nuggets’ best players were Watson, Braun, and Strawther. They scored 14 of the final 15 Nuggets points.
It appears Christian Braun has arrived. He had his first 20 point performance of the season, and give great minutes in the 4th. He has definitely taken the jump in Year 3, and looks like he will continue to get better. Gives the Nuggets youth and much-needed energy. Scored 5 points in the final five. Possible MIP candidate?
Peyton Watson made the play of the night, blocking Shai’s layup as time expired, preserving the two-point Nuggets lead. He had just missed 2 free throws moments before, so great way to redeem himself and call game in Denver.
Julian Strawther had a strap at Gonzaga, and always made the big shot. No surprise he’s figuring out how to stick and play important minutes. Scored 4 big points in the final five minutes. Offensive rebound put-back dunk and 2 free throws.
Once the Nuggets return Jokic and Murray, the Baby Nuggets will play with more confidence as they are showing the NBA that they are ready to play important minutes. If Strawther, Braun, and Watson can continue to play well, the Nuggets will have a very solid eight-man rotation when Gordon and Murray return, and the Nuggets can compete with other teams in the West. I hope they can acquire another shooter to round out the roster, but wins like last night are confidence boosters for young players, and will only benefit the Nuggets come play-off time.
