Malone decided to go with Christian Braun over Russell Westbrook in the first game after the break, which made sense for a number of reasons. Braun had been playing very well for awhile before the All-Star break,

Nikola Jokic had 20 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray scored 13 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter, and Christian Braun scored 24 for Denver, which has lost three of its last five games.

Nikola Jokic had 20 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray scored 13 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter, and Christian Braun scored 24 for Denver, which has lost three of its last five games.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, right, drives toward the basket past Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun, front left, in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, March 2,

Denver Nuggets @ Milwaukee Bucks Projected Starting Lineups. Denver: Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokic. Milwaukee: Damian Lillard, Taur

Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Goodwin (30) and Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, in Denver. (AP

Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) and Charlotte Hornets forward Tidjane Salaun (31) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David

With the NBA All-Star break here, it's time to evaluate Denver Nuggets' Christian Braun's 2024-25 season. How has he performed so far?

Denver Nuggets vs Charlotte Hornets Projected Starting Lineups. Denver: Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokic. Charlotte: LaMelo Ball, Nick

Who’s in the starting lineup? “You really don’t think I’m gonna answer that question right now, do you?” Malone said Wednesday at Ball Arena, laughing. The Nuggets return to action Thursday (7 p.m. MT) after a seven-day hiatus.

The Nuggets almost survived to Jokic’s return. They were down 88-84. The last minute without him was a near-death sentence, though. Sam Hauser knocked down a transition drive-and-kick 3-pointer to bring the house down with 8:11 to go, highlighting a 6-0 burst.