Bruce Brown Adapts to Denver Nuggets Return: ‘I Was Exhausted’ | NBA Insider
In a recent statement, Bruce Brown expressed his adaptation to returning to the Denver Nuggets while reflecting on his energy levels during practice. After a third-quarter play, Brown admitted, “I was exhausted,” acknowledging how much stress he felt while trying to contribute to the team. His defensive efforts included a fast break opportunity, which resulted in a missed layup but showcased his determination to impact the game.
Bruce Brown’s Adjustment Period
The 29-year-old guard has noticed a change in his role since last season. Currently, he averages 20.6 minutes per game compared to a career-high 28.5 minutes in the 2022-23 season. As of now, he is averaging 6.3 points per game, marking the lowest scoring since his rookie year in 2018-19. “I’m still getting adjusted to it,” Brown commented, emphasizing his desire to prioritize team success over individual performance.
Nuggets’ Early Season Performance
The Denver Nuggets have started the season strong, boasting a 7-2 record, which puts them second in the Western Conference. Their only competition so far, Oklahoma City, leads with a 10-1 record. Despite this impressive start, the Nuggets have faced road challenges. They enter a critical stretch of games, including matchups against the Sacramento Kings, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Minnesota Timberwolves, each posing unique challenges.
Upcoming Games
- Sacramento Kings: A competitive basketball environment awaits.
- Los Angeles Clippers: Looking to regain winning momentum.
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards recently returned, adding difficulty to the matchup.
Nuggets coach David Adelman mentioned the unpredictability of the Western Conference, highlighting the surprising performance of teams like the Clippers, currently under .500 despite their talent.
Insights from Coach Adelman
During a practice session this week, Coach Adelman discussed the need for a balance between former players and analytical staff within his coaching team. He stated, “It’s important to have both perspectives,” emphasizing the significance of diverse experiences in enhancing team performance. Furthermore, he expressed satisfaction with the team’s journey thus far, despite some late-game collapses in earlier matches.
Player Recognitions
This week, Nikola Jokic was named the Western Conference Player of the Week for his outstanding performance, averaging 31.1 points, 13.3 assists, and 11.3 rebounds over four games.
League News
In other NBA news, the league mourns the passing of Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens at age 88. He was celebrated for his dual success as a player and coach, leading teams to monumental victories, including a championship with the Seattle SuperSonics and an Olympic gold medal in 1996.
Additionally, former NBA All-Star Victor Oladipo is making a return to the league, joining a G League affiliate after a recent stint in China. Oladipo last played in the NBA during the 2022-23 season with the Miami Heat.
