Nuggets’ Braun Takes Blame After Fourth Straight Loss

DENVER, Colo. — Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun stepped into the spotlight after a career-best performance in a 125-120 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, acknowledging his role in the team’s struggles. The third-year player scored 30 points on 12-of-16 shooting, but he also took responsibility for a late-game turnover that contributed to the Nuggets’ fourth consecutive defeat.

“I’ve got to be better in that spot,” Braun said after the game. “I was thinking ‘Get out of his way, let him go score two.’ I know he’s an automatic two, especially because they hadn’t been doubling him the last couple of plays.” Braun’s realization came during the final 30 seconds of the game when a miscommunication with superstar Nikola Jokic led to a crucial turnover.

Despite his outstanding scoring performance, Braun was not content. “We got to get back to who we are on defense. That starts with me and my communication,” he emphasized. According to Braun, as one of the younger players on the starting lineup, he feels a personal responsibility to elevate the team’s energy and readiness.

Jokic praised Braun’s effort but also noted that mistakes happen. “The guy is a winner. Whenever he makes a mistake, I’m never mad at him or whatever. He’s playing really hard. When you play hard, when you make a mistake playing hard, I think you cannot take anything from him,” Jokic said.

As the Nuggets approach the playoffs, they find themselves in a precarious position without key player Jamal Murray, who has missed the last five games due to a hamstring injury. Jokic, who recently recorded a triple-double of 61 points, highlighting the urgency of Denver’s situation, acknowledged the impact of Murray’s absence. “He’s just a guy who can score,” Jokic stated. “We definitely miss him.” Denver’s recent losses have raised concerns about playoff positioning, leaving them in a fight to avoid a play-in tournament scenario.

Nuggets head coach Michael Malone also reflected on the team’s struggles, acknowledging a need for introspection and improvement. “We put ourselves in this hole, and we only have ourselves to pull ourselves out of it. Every game for a while now has been like a playoff game,” he said after the loss.

The Nuggets are currently fourth in the Western Conference but face competition from several teams vying for playoff spots. If they fail to secure a win in their next three games, they risk dropping into the lower playoff spots. Braun remains hopeful about the team’s future performance. “I know that we will be better in these last three games. We’re going to get three in a row, and then we’re going to go in the playoffs with a good rhythm,” he vowed.

The team is looking ahead to matchups against the Sacramento Kings, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Houston Rockets in the coming week, crucial contests that will determine their playoff fate.