Christian Braun Taking Smart, Patient Approach in Return from Ankle Injury
Christian Braun is wired to compete. That much is clear to anyone who’s watched the Nuggets wing over the past two seasons. But after tearing ligaments in his left ankle back in mid-November, even Braun had to admit his body wasn’t quite ready-despite his eagerness to get back on the floor.
The 24-year-old missed seven weeks with the injury, returned for three games earlier this month, but hasn’t suited up since. Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman made it clear: this isn’t a setback, it’s a calculated pause.
“I watch him work out, and he’s going full speed,” Adelman said. “It’s just, he can’t do everything his body should be able to do right now.”
That’s the difference between being cleared to play and being ready to compete at the level Braun-and the Nuggets-expect. The team isn’t rushing it, and Braun, known for his toughness and grit, is taking the long view.
“CB is tough,” Adelman added. “So him coming back as quick as he did off an injury like that is not surprising. And I think we have to do what’s best for him.”
Braun himself revealed earlier this month that the injury was no minor tweak-he tore ligaments and couldn’t walk for weeks. So while the competitive fire is there, the physical tools still need time to catch up.
For Denver, this is about more than just getting a player back-it’s about getting the right version of Braun back. The one who defends multiple positions, crashes the glass, and brings energy off the bench. And that version only returns when he’s fully healthy.
Murray and Hardaway Jr. Spark Fourth-Quarter Rally
While Braun continues his recovery, Jamal Murray and Tim Hardaway Jr. reminded everyone why Denver is still a force, even when things get dicey.
Trailing by seven early in the fourth against the Wizards on Saturday, the Nuggets needed a jolt. Murray and Hardaway delivered in a big way-combining for 31 points in the final period to fuel a comeback win.
Murray was electric, dropping 42 points on 15-of-24 shooting, while adding six assists, three boards, two steals, and two blocks in 39 minutes. That stat line doesn’t just scream All-Star-it demands it.
Hardaway, meanwhile, had his best game in a Nuggets uniform, pouring in a season-high 30 points off the bench. The veteran wing, playing on a one-year minimum deal, has been a steady contributor all season-and he’s quietly shooting a career-best 41.5% from deep. That kind of efficiency, especially from a bench piece, is a luxury most teams dream of.
Adelman admitted after the game that he played both Murray and Aaron Gordon more than he originally planned. Gordon, who started at center, finished with eight points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in 32 minutes. With a back-to-back looming against Charlotte, don’t be surprised if both veterans get a night off.
Jokic’s Impact Goes Beyond the Box Score
Even when Nikola Jokic isn’t on the floor, he’s still moving the needle.
The reigning three-time MVP has been sidelined with a knee injury since late December, but that hasn’t stopped him from making his presence felt. According to Adelman, Jokic has essentially stepped into a coaching role-especially with the younger guys.
“For the young guys, the guys that haven’t played as much, to have a three-time MVP pull you aside and give you confidence, talk to you about what you can do better in this situation… it’s valuable,” Adelman said.
Jokic’s basketball IQ is already the stuff of legend, but hearing that he’s memorized the entire league’s playbook? That’s next-level. His ability to coach in real-time, from the bench, is just another example of why he’s the heartbeat of this team-even when he’s not in uniform.
And the Nuggets have held their own in his absence, going 7-3 without their superstar. That’s not just a testament to their depth-it’s a reflection of the culture Jokic and the veterans have helped build.
Big Picture for Denver
Denver’s not at full strength, but they’re showing the kind of resilience that matters in the long run. Braun’s taking the smart path back, Murray is playing like a man on a mission, and Jokic’s leadership continues to shape the locker room-even from the sidelines.
This stretch has tested the Nuggets, no doubt. But with their core locked in and their role players stepping up, they’re proving once again why they’re built for more than just regular-season wins.