Christian Braun learned of his first career start about 20 minutes before tip-off. That it would come against the top-seeded Grizzlies, on national TV, made little difference to the bullish rookie.
Jamal Murray’s absence — a precautionary measure after playing through knee soreness — created an opening in the starting lineup Tuesday night. Nuggets coach Michael Malone could’ve played Bones Hyland, replacing a guard for a guard. He could’ve started reliable veteran Ish Smith, so as to keep the second unit intact. Instead, in starting Braun, he opted for size, energy, and defense.
What the decision yielded amounted to Braun’s coming-out party.