Another formidable rim protector joined Christian Braun’s poster collection recently.
Denver’s 6-foot-6 shooting guard received a dribble handoff from Nikola Jokic at the top of the key and turned the corner, driving with his right hand. Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez drifted across the paint and elevated in lockstep with Braun. A two-time All-Defensive team honoree, Lopez has blocked more than 2,000 shots in his career, more than any other active player. He wedged his right hand between the arms of Braun, sensing another opportunity.
But Braun has established a reputation by now.