The Nuggets were no strangers to injury this year, and they're still not at full-strength heading into the eve of the playoffs, but one player did his best A.C. Green impression and will play in all 82 of the Nuggets' games this season. Bruce Brown.
It's the first time in "Cowboy" Bruce's career that he's going to accomplish the feat. He'll do so when the Nuggets take on the Spurs in game 82.
And it's the first time a Nuggets player has played in all 82 games since the 2018-19 season, when both Mason Plumlee and Monte Morris were able to stay healthy all year. Nikola Jokic played in all 72 of the Nuggets' games in the coronavirus pandemic-shortened season of 2020-21.
Brown is averaging 7.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists across 24.3 minutes of floor time. But Brown has provided critical depth for the Nuggets, offensively and defensively, and over the last 15 games, he's shooting 44.4% from three-point range.
Brown stayed healthy when all others didn't
Playing all 82 games is a rarity in today's NBA, as evidenced by how many years have passed since the last Nuggets went Cal Ripken and played every game. But the Nuggets got hurt a lot this year, and it makes what Brown will do feel almost impossible.
Aaron Gordon played just 36, Christian Braun 44, Cam Johnson 54, and Peyton Watson 54. Nikola Jokic is going to have to play 15 to 20 minutes in the finale for his 65th game played to make sure he qualifies for postseason awards, including the MVP.
The Nuggets are prioritizing health in the finale against the Spurs
The Nuggets aren't taking any chances with anyone's health going into the finale with the Spurs. The Nuggets are resting Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, Cam Johnson, and Tim Hardaway Jr. They'll join Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones on the sidelines, who are out while recovering from injuries.
It's widely thought that Joker will play only the required amount of minutes to qualify for his 65th game. Some have said 15, and others 20 minutes. Whatever it is, the Nuggets will be sure to get him those minutes if that's what their plan is.
The game actually has playoff implications, which makes the Nuggets' strategy a little questionable, but that's obviously their call. The Nuggets are currently holding onto the three seed in the Western Conference standings. A loss, coupled with a Lakers win, which seems likely against the Jazz, would put the Nuggets into fourth place.