Christian Braun makes Nuggets franchise history in Game 6 win

Braun's impact — on both ends of the floor — was palpable from the onset. 

The Kansas alum led all scorers in the first half (15 points) while simultaneously putting the clamps on OKC's guards, specifically Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He boldly hedged on screens set for Gilgeous-Alexander, hounding the MVP candidate all over the floor and holding him to just three points in the first quarter.

Although Gilgeous-Alexander finished the game with 32 points, his slow start was key to the Nuggets gaining early momentum in a must-win game.

Braun's ability to crash the glass was another huge factor for the Nuggets. The third-year guard's offensive boards contributed to his team's 23 second-chance points and helped the Nuggets win the overall rebounding battle, 52-40. Denver was out-rebounded by Oklahoma City in key moments in its Game 3 and 4 losses and desperately needed a player not named Nikola Jokic to crash the glass, which Braun did.

Remarkably, Braun had more points than Jalen Williams, an All-Star, more rebounds than Isaiah Hartenstein, a perennial double-double machine and more steals than Alex Caruso, a defensive hound. The all-around performance furthered his reputation as the ultimate Swiss Army knife who does all the little things for his team. 

Ahead of Sunday's Game 7, Braun sent out a cautionary warning to the inexperienced Thunder, who will be on their home floor.

"We've played in a Game 7, they haven't," Braun said of his team's mentality. "...We'll be ready for it ... I really like our chances."