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Unexpected Player Makes History in Nuggets vs. Pelicans Game

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Nuggets
By Farbod Esnaashari | Last updated 11/7/23

Julian Strawther made waves during preseason, and now he's proving what he put up then was no fluke. If you weren't sold on Strawther then, you'll definitely be sold after his game against the New Orleans Pelicans yesterday.

Last night, Strawther put up a phenomenal stat line off the bench against the Pelicans: 21 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist on 8/13 from the field and 5/9 from three. Strawther's performance was so incredible, that it was actually historical.

According to Jake Coyne, Strawther became the first rookie in NBA history to have 20+ points and 5+ made threes in under 20 minutes of game time; everything Strawther did last night, he did in 19 minutes.

Rookies in NBA history to have 20+ points and 5+ made threes in fewer than 20 minutes of action in a game:

Julian Strawther (Tonight)

That is the end of the list. pic.twitter.com/QsfqlgWUTB
— Jake Coyne (Stat Squatch) (@BroncoSquatch) November 7, 2023

For the Nuggets to succeed without Jamal Murray, they're going to need extra contributions from players like Christian Braun and Julian Strawther. Fortunately for Denver, it seems like the organization is fantastic at drafting young prospects. Whether it's Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Julian Strawther, or Christian Braun, the Nuggets have done a fantastic job at drafting talent.

The Denver Nuggets are a walking example that while other NBA teams can make their superteams, building through the draft will always be the more successful route. After winning an NBA Championship last season, the Denver Nuggets already easily look like the best team in the NBA this season.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Nuggets and was syndicated with permission.

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