"Rookie Sensation and Drafting Success Propel Nuggets in NBA Finals"
In Games 2 and 3 of the NBA Finals, sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr. and NBA champion Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had a poor shooting performance, going 5-for-22 from the field and 2-for-14 from three-point range. This would typically lead to the expectation that the Nuggets would lose both games. However, Denver nearly forced overtime in Game 2 and dominated Game 3, thanks in large part to the rookie Christian Braun. Braun took advantage of the Heat's defensive focus on stopping Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić by using back cuts and duck-ins, making significant contributions on both ends of the court. His performance, including 15 points on efficient shooting, highlighted the Nuggets' success in the draft over the past decade.
Braun, who was projected to be a second-round pick, was selected by the Nuggets at No. 21 in the draft, a decision that has paid off well. He has showcased his shooting ability and active defense, even outperforming more experienced players in the postseason. The Nuggets have a history of finding talented players through the draft, exemplified by Jokić, who was a second-round pick in 2014 and has since become a two-time MVP. Murray, their second-best player, was a more conventional pick at No. 7 in 2016 and has developed into a skilled scorer, particularly in the playoffs.
While not all players in the Nuggets' rotation were drafted by the team, acquisitions like Bruce Brown and Aaron Gordon stemmed from solid draft picks. The Nuggets made trades to bring in players like Gordon and Caldwell-Pope, utilizing the assets they had acquired. Porter's selection by the Nuggets was a significant decision, as he was once considered the top prospect in his draft class but fell due to injury concerns. After a redshirt season, Porter has become an excellent shooter and a valuable asset for the team, despite occasional defensive lapses.
Overall, the Nuggets' success in the draft and player development is evident, as even a rookie like Braun can step in and contribute on a big stage like the NBA Finals.