Nuggets' Bruce Brown Steps Up as Jokic and Murray Face Intense Defensive Pressure

Brown's scoring surge comes at a crucial time as the Nuggets aim to balance health, home-court advantage, and championship aspirations.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:15am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes that capture the intensity of the competition.A cubist interpretation of the Nuggets' high-stakes battle, with role players like Bruce Brown stepping up to support their stars.Denver Today

With Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray facing intense defensive pressure, the Denver Nuggets are relying on guard Bruce Brown to step up and provide scoring support. After a sluggish start, Brown has rediscovered his shooting touch, connecting on 43.8% of his three-pointers in February. Coach David Adelman emphasizes the need for other players to make shots and take the pressure off Jokic and Murray, who are being swarmed by double and triple teams.

Why it matters

The Nuggets' championship hopes hinge on their ability to find the right balance between offensive firepower, defensive resilience, and player health. Relying on role players like Brown to become consistent scorers is a key part of their strategy, but it remains to be seen if this approach can be sustainable during a deep playoff run.

The details

After a conversation with assistant coach Jared Dudley, Bruce Brown has become more aggressive and is no longer passing up open shots. This transformation is crucial as the Nuggets aim to punish defenses for focusing too much attention on Jokic and Murray. Coach Adelman emphasizes the need for other players to step up, pointing to last season's playoff success where Aaron Gordon and Russell Westbrook hit crucial shots. However, with Gordon currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, the pressure intensifies on players like Brown, Peyton Watson, and Cam Johnson.

  • In February, Bruce Brown connected on 43.8% of his three-pointers.
  • Aaron Gordon is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets' star center, who is facing intense defensive pressure from opposing teams.

Jamal Murray

The Denver Nuggets' star guard, who is also facing intense defensive pressure alongside Jokic.

Bruce Brown

A guard for the Denver Nuggets who has rediscovered his scoring touch, providing much-needed support for Jokic and Murray.

David Adelman

The head coach of the Denver Nuggets, who is emphasizing the need for other players to step up and make shots.

Jared Dudley

An assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets, who had a crucial conversation with Bruce Brown that helped him become more aggressive.

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What they’re saying

“I wasn't being aggressive enough. I was passing up open shots, not even looking at the rim. Now, I'm taking those shots with confidence.”

— Bruce Brown, Denver Nuggets Guard

“Other guys have to make shots... Jamal and Nikola have to make clean decisions, and then those other guys will get great looks. We have to trust them.”

— David Adelman, Denver Nuggets Head Coach

“Being fully healthy, I'd rather have that than have the home-court and not have a full team.”

— David Adelman, Denver Nuggets Head Coach

“Nobody is being guarded like him in the league. We have to find ways to create space for him and protect him.”

— David Adelman, Denver Nuggets Head Coach

“We have to trust them.”

— David Adelman, Denver Nuggets Head Coach

What’s next

The Nuggets face a delicate balancing act as they aim for a top-four seed and home-court advantage, while also prioritizing Gordon's health for the playoffs. The physical toll on Jokic is another pressing concern, with the team exploring ways to create more space for him and protect him from the intense defensive pressure he faces.

The takeaway

The Nuggets' championship aspirations hinge on their ability to find the right balance between offensive firepower, defensive resilience, and player health. Bruce Brown's scoring surge has provided a much-needed boost, but the team will need continued contributions from role players to support Jokic and Murray as they navigate the challenges of the postseason.