Kansas basketball: Christian Braun appears in NBA Finals Game 1

DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 01: Christian Braun #0 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles against Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat during the second quarter in Game One of the 2023 NBA Finals at Ball Arena on June 01, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 01: Christian Braun #0 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles against Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat during the second quarter in Game One of the 2023 NBA Finals at Ball Arena on June 01, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Former Kansas basketball star Christian Braun made an appearance in his team’s NBA Finals Game 1 victory.

Christian Braun has an opportunity to join an exclusive group of Kansas Jayhawks this season. He and the Denver Nuggets took one step closer to an NBA Finals victory, claiming the first game on their homecourt.

Nuggets head coach Mike Malone had begun to phase “CB” out of the rotation after he failed to score a point in their previous series against the Los Angeles Lakers. However, after receiving a DNP in their most recent game, Braun saw the floor for 8 minutes last night.

In his first game action since May 20, Braun missed his only field goal attempt, assisted one basket, and grabbed a rebound while also recording two personal fouls. He also turned the ball over once.

Although he was much more of a factor in the Western Conference Semifinals versus the Phoenix Suns, it is encouraging to see Malone give Braun minutes when he struggles. Even if he is not scoring points, his impact is still felt through his defensive intensity and high motor.

No matter his contributions to the team during this series, Braun could very well become an NBA Champion in the next week or so. That’s a feat that not many players can boast.

If Denver claims the title, he will become the sixth player in NBA history to win back-to-back championships at the NCAA and NBA levels. He’d join legends such as Magic Johnson and Bill Russell with this accomplishment.

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