Christian Braun is a championship-level role player for the Denver Nuggets

Christian Braun is emerging as a difference-maker for the Denver Nuggets on the brightest of stages. 

The Denver Nuggets may have a tougher NBA Finals than they perhaps originally anticipated after a fairly comfortable Game 1 win over the Miami Heat. After winning Game 1 nearly wire-to-wire, leading toward double-digit domination, the Nuggets lost Game 2 thanks in part to a horrible start and finish. The series is now tied at one game apiece as the series shifts to Miami for Game 3.

Although there were a few really disappointing performances for Denver in Game 2, Nuggets rookie Christian Braun was one who made a positive impact (aside from Nikola Jokic, who erupted for 41 points) and nearly salvaged an otherwise forgettable performance.

Despite losing, the Nuggets went on a 40-14 run in the second quarter, and Christian Braun was front and center of it.

Braun had six points, three assists, and three steals in Game 2 and went 3-3 from the field, finishing the night plus-8 on the court. He was everywhere on the court, hustling defensively for steals, scoring at the bucket, and even making plays off the dribble for his teammates.

Braun makes winning plays, and if you haven’t heard of him, that’s what he’s been doing all year long.

Who is Christian Braun?

Christian Braun is a 6-foot-7 rookie wing, who’s been in the Denver Nuggets rotation practically all year. Braun isn’t exactly a household name, but he’s someone you might recognize from college. Last year he went all the way to win a national championship with Kansas.

This year, Braun averaged only five points per game but the numbers don’t tell the full story. On a team with real championship aspirations from the start, Braun was always getting minutes, which usually doesn’t happen for rookies.

Braun is someone who is always giving maximum effort on the court. And he’s willing to do anything he can to help the team win. Whether it’s playing defense, hitting a 3, or throwing down a dunk, CB is someone who can impact the game in many different ways.

It’s rare for rookies to have this kind of impact in the NBA right away, especially on contending teams. But Braun’s three years in college at an established program like Kansas, really taught him how to play winning basketball.

The Denver Nuggets have a tough challenge ahead, with their next two games on the road vs. Miami. But don’t be surprised if Christian Braun makes even more winning plays, and gets another championship trophy to add to his cabinet.