Never an easy decision,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said after choosing to move Christian Braun to the bench with Aaron Gordon returning to Denver’s starting lineup.

Scoring has been climbing as of late, but this year the stat inflation has revealed itself in a more subtle way.

Christian Braun has provided a spark for the Denver Nuggets, as his production is the best of his career. He slid into the starting lineup after the Nuggets let Kentavious Caldwell-Pope leave in free agency.

Denver Nikola Jokić – 33 points, 12 rebounds, 14 assists 15-21 FG (71.4 FG%) He has 9 30-PT TDBLs on 70+ FG%, only Wilt Chamberlain (10) has more Christian Braun – 28 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists Career-high in PTS 36 assists from the team Top Performers – Chicago Zach LaVine – 21 points,

The Denver Nuggets lit up the scoreboard Thursday night, outlasting the Sacramento Kings, 132-123. With this win, the Nuggets improved to 28-16 on the season and are now

While their victory was impressive, it was overlooked due to an incredible play by their star center Nikola Jokić ... in double digits including Christian Braun who was their second leading ...

The Nuggets played well for three quarters, then let the Kings, who were playing on a second-straight night, back in the game late because of poor defense before closing the deal. Nikola Jokić recorded his 20th triple-double of the year and 14th before the fourth quarter.

The Nuggets fell apart late in New York and squandered an opportunity for a quality win. Jamal Murray carried the team on Nikola Jokić’s down night, but the defense’s failure to cover screen rolls and getting clobbered in transition outweighed his impact.

Denver Nuggets Top Performers Nikola Jokić – 20 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks 3rd straight triple-double, 4th in last 5 games 148th career triple-double, 18th of the season (leads league by 10 triple-doubles) Christian Braun – 20 points,

Reminiscing about the Knicks’ visit to Denver two months ago, Michael Malone gave a slightly embarrassed chuckle.

Aaron Gordon rejoined Denver’s starting lineup on Wednesday night against the Knicks, with Russell Westbrook staying in the lineup and Christian Braun moving to the bench.

Nuggets head coach Michael Malone made a lineup change on Wednesday night, benching Christian Braun for Aaron Gordon against the Knicks.