As the second-round playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets tips off, the headlines naturally center around marquee matchups: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Nikola Jokic, a collision between MVP favorites; Russell Westbrook returning to face his former team in a high-stakes playoff clash; and the overall contrast between a young Thunder squad on the rise and a battle-tested defending champion.
But while these narratives drive the national buzz, they may not reflect the most pressing on-court issue for Oklahoma City.
In fact, if recent history is any indication, the player who could give the Thunder the most trouble in this series isn’t named Jokic or Jamal Murray. It’s Christian Braun.
Yes, that Christian Braun.
The third-year guard has quietly been a thorn in OKC’s side all season, and his continued impact could swing this series more than most might expect.
A Thorn in the Thunder’s Side
While Braun’s game rarely garners headlines outside of Denver, his production against the Thunder in the 2024-25 season speaks volumes. In four regular-season matchups, Braun averaged 18.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2 assists, and over a steal and block per game, while shooting nearly 43 percent from three. That level of efficiency — combined with his relentless energy on both ends — helped him post the highest offensive rating (118.7) and best plus-minus (+1.2) on the Nuggets in those games.
OKC, known this year for its top-ranked defense and versatility, has had surprising trouble containing secondary guards and wings. Late in the season and into the first round, they allowed scorers like Bradley Beal and even Scotty Pippen Jr. to find success against their second unit. And while Lu Dort will almost certainly shadow Jamal Murray, and Jokic will command constant attention in the post, Braun could benefit from being overlooked — and he’s proven he knows exactly how to take advantage of that.
Flying Under the Radar — But Not for Long
Braun’s growth in his third season has been substantial. He set career highs across the board, averaging 15.4 points on a blistering 58 percent from the field and nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc. His cutting, transition play, and catch-and-shoot ability have made him a perfect off-ball complement to Denver’s stars — especially in lineups where Jokic serves as the offensive hub.
Perhaps more importantly, Braun has developed into a fearless finisher at the rim, shooting over 70 percent inside five feet. When Jokic draws help defenders and Murray manipulates defensive coverage, it’s often Braun who ends up slipping behind the defense or getting open in the corner — and he’s been lethal in both spots.
A Defensive Challenge for OKC
Oklahoma City thrives on switching and length, but that same aggressiveness can sometimes leave cracks for disciplined players like Braun to exploit. The Thunder will likely commit Dort and Jalen Williams to the Nuggets’ top two threats, leaving Braun to be guarded by a rotation of younger or less experienced defenders. That’s a matchup advantage the Nuggets are poised to attack.
For OKC, the challenge will be twofold: contain Braun without overcommitting resources that could be better spent battling Jokic and Murray. Easier said than done — especially with the Nuggets’ ball movement and veteran poise.
Conclusion
This series may ultimately come down to the superstars, but in tightly contested playoff games, it’s often the unsung contributors who tip the scale. Christian Braun has already shown he can fill that role — especially against this Thunder team.
Ignore him at your peril.
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