A man without a driver’s license and missing a tooth stood in the way of a historic NBA team’s date with destiny. In an intense atmosphere, Julian Strawther, a 23-year-old guard for the Denver Nuggets, played through adversity reminiscent of a hockey defenseman enduring the harsh impacts of the game. During the pivotal fourth quarter of Game 6, Strawther received a blow to the head, resulting in his right incisor flying across the court. Fortunately, this was merely a cosmetic concern, as the tooth was a baby tooth that had never been replaced. Strawther keeps a prosthetic in its place, and by the end of the game, he managed to get it back in position thanks to the quick actions of the ball boys. “Thanks to the ball boys,” Strawther said with a grin. “They came through for me.”
In a remarkable display of determination, Jamal Murray played through illness, helping the Nuggets secure a vital Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Nuggets have faced an uphill battle this season, having endured significant setbacks, including the absence of their head coach and general manager. After suffering defeats against both the Clippers and Thunder, they somehow found themselves still in contention for the championship—at least for one more game. The unexpected figurehead of this survival effort has been none other than Julian Strawther, whose explosive performance in Game 6 will be remembered as one of the defining moments of this thrilling playoff series.
Strawther’s path to becoming the unexpected hero of the Nuggets is nothing short of cinematic. Drafted 29th overall by Denver in 2023, he appeared in 50 games as a rookie, but his role diminished significantly in his sophomore year. After spraining his left knee on March 2, he assumed he would not be part of Denver's playoff rotation. “That's where my mind was at,” Strawther told The Denver Post. “The staff was transparent with me: 'We may or may not need you to stay ready.'” The timing of his injury was unfortunate, as he was cleared to play with only a game or two left in the regular season, leaving him with little time to ramp up his performance.
With the Nuggets tied at 80, Strawther made his mark on the game, scoring eight points during a crucial 10-0 run at the end of the third quarter. His two impactful three-pointers ignited the crowd and showcased his recently introduced thumbs-down celebration. As he celebrated, he shared a high-five with Damian Massey, a close friend and manager. Massey noted, “We go to the gym all the time at night, Peyton, Julian, and Michael Porter, so I see the work these guys put in and how well they shoot.” Strawther scored all 15 of his points within a 10-minute span, shooting an impressive 3 for 4 from beyond the arc. This marked his first double-digit scoring game since February 27 and his 16th game in the NBA with 15 or more points.
Strawther's defensive performance also caught the attention of interim coach David Adelman. “I thought he held water defensively, too. That was a big deal,” Adelman stated. “You want to keep an offensive player out there, but they have to be able to handle their own on the other end.” Despite prior concerns about his defense and scoring consistency, Strawther stepped up when the Nuggets needed him most. In the face of increased pressure from the Thunder, who have a deep roster, Adelman found it necessary to lean on Strawther, showcasing the team’s trust in his abilities.
While rehabbing from his injury, Strawther also faced personal challenges, notably his lack of a driver's license. From his hometown of Las Vegas to his college days at Gonzaga and now in Denver, he has never obtained a license. He often relies on his teammate Watson to drive him to and from the airport for road trips. “I should've worked on that,” Strawther confessed about his driving education. “I’m gonna try to tap in on that whenever the season's over. Hopefully, end of June.”
As the Nuggets prepare for one last battle against the Thunder, fans are eager to see how this thrilling narrative unfolds. With players like Strawther stepping up in crucial moments, the team's resilience is on full display. For those wanting to stay updated on the Nuggets’ playoff journey, signing up for the Nuggets Insider provides in-depth analysis and news on all things NBA.
