Nuggets Get Late Lift From Murray, Hardaway as Braun’s Ankle Rehab Continues
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DENVER — Christian Braun remains out of the Denver lineup after realizing he returned too soon from a torn ligament in his left ankle, head coach David Adelman said. The third-year wing missed seven weeks, appeared in three games earlier this month and has now sat out four straight. “He can’t do everything his body should be able to do right now,” Adelman told reporters, adding that Braun did not suffer a new injury but will stay sidelined until he is fully ready.
Braun, 24, initially hurt the ankle on November 12 and was unable to walk for several weeks. Adelman praised the guard’s toughness but said the organization and player agreed he should not return until he can “really play basketball, not just run up and down the court.”
Fourth-quarter surge downs Wizards
Denver erased a seven-point deficit early in the fourth quarter Saturday, defeating Washington behind 31 combined points from Jamal Murray and Tim Hardaway Jr. over the final 12 minutes, according to The Denver Gazette. Murray finished with 42 points on 15-of-24 shooting, six assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks in 39 minutes. Hardaway, on a one-year minimum deal, delivered a season-high 30 points while hitting 10 of 18 shots in 36 minutes off the bench. The 31-year-old is shooting a career-best 41.5 percent from three-point range this season.
Adelman acknowledged he played Murray and Aaron Gordon longer than intended. Gordon, who started at center, logged 32 minutes and recorded eight points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. The coach indicated both players could sit out Sunday’s back-to-back in Charlotte.
Jokic takes on coaching role
Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, sidelined since late December with a knee injury, has been acting as an informal assistant coach, Adelman told the Denver Post. “For the young guys … to have a three-time MVP pull you aside and give you confidence is valuable,” he said, noting Jokic’s deep knowledge of opponent playbooks. The Nuggets are 7-3 during Jokic’s absence.
Source: Hoops Rumors
