Biggest takeaway from Abu Dhabi Games that could massively raise ceiling for Nuggets

It’s foolish to overreact to preseason games in any sport and that’s certainly true of the NBA. The Denver Nuggets lost both of their preseason games in Abu Dhabi to the Boston Celtics, falling in the second game on Sunday, 130-104.

The Nuggets were extremely sloppy with the ball, turning it over 20 times, they shot poorly from the three-point line, making just 8/34 from deep, and they were overly reliant on Nikola Jokic, who looked completely dominant, putting up 20 points in just one half of basketball.

But it’s important to remember that Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. didn’t play in the second leg of this miniseries and Jokic and Jamal Murray only played in the first half. This trip was a fun tune-up for the season, but most of these games shouldn’t resemble Nuggets’ regular season action.

Still, there were some positive takeaways that should be meaningful; Russell Westbrook and Dario Saric brought a spark to the second unit and Julian Strawther showed his scoring prowess, pitching in 17 points on 6/12 shooting. 

Christian Braun's defense on Tatum and Brown a revelation

However, the most meaningful takeaway from these games was the defensive play of Christian Braun. Braun looks poised to replace Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the starting lineup and if these games are any indication, he looks up to the task.

Braun took on the defensive wing-stopper role and filled it very well while being tasked with guarding two of the best wings in the league; Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Braun held his own, forcing those guys into contested shots and giving up very few easy baskets. 

The Nuggets lost their defensive anchor in KCP, but if Braun can step up and fill that void, the Nuggets can be a much better team than expected this season. Three and D wing players are few and far between in the NBA; if Braun can play defense at this level and up his three-point volume while maintaining solid efficiency, there’s a very real chance that Denver’s starting lineup actually gets better.

We already know Braun can do all the hustle stuff, he can make flashy dunks, get out in transition, and give the team energy and athleticism. But if he can also give them lockdown defense from his position, he’s a three-point shot away from being one of the best role players in the league.

Again, it’s important not to overreact, but Braun absolutely passed the eye test with flying colors. He’s not going to face the likes of Brown and Tatum every night, but if his defense at that position can be a strength, the Nuggets will be in great shape this season.