3 takeaways from Denver Nuggets win over Memphis Grizzlies
By Kyle Berry
![Dec 20, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) controls the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) guards in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports Dec 20, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) controls the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) guards in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/f8a92b12b781cf42bb4fa6279131159f77983e78c6c98b3ec4d0b5d9a66bb6cc.jpg)
Christian Braun could be a Ja stopper
Ja Morant still had 35 points in the loss to Denver, and there seems to be no stopping the 6′ 3″ point guard out of Murray State, but boy was it a joy to watch the young Christian Braun at work after Nuggets head coach Michael Malone decided to plug him into the starting lineup alongside AG, Jokic, Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Morant had his moments, but so did Braun, adding a clutch three and a hardcore dunk to his list of big plays on the defensive end of the court.
According to NBA’s matchup data, Ja Morant shot 2-of-7 and had 2 assists to 1 turnover when being guarded by Christian Braun last night.
— Ryan Blackburn (@NBABlackburn) December 21, 2022
Some possessions Nuggets fans can get legitimately excited for.
Braun was tasked with doing the impossible and seemingly stepped up in primetime. The young Kansas guard stuffed the stat sheet with a block, an assist, a steal, and three rebounds to go along with his double-figure finish in the points column with 13.
Braun gave you everything you’ve been seeing from him most of the season. He’s always in an advantageous position and rarely commits bad fouls. Braun’s performance has put more pressure on Malone to play him even more moving forward.