On Monday, Julian Strawther displayed the unwavering confidence that has become synonymous with his name for Gonzaga men's basketball fans. The Las Vegas native, who was the 29th overall pick by the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 NBA Draft, played a pivotal role in leading his team to a remarkable double-digit comeback triumph over the New Orleans Pelicans. With Jamal Murray sidelined due to injury, Strawther received the green light from his coach Michael Malone, and the 21-year-old rookie rose to the occasion.
In just 19 minutes off the bench, Strawther exploded for a career-best 21 points, shooting an impressive 8-for-13 from the field, including 5-for-9 from beyond the arc. His remarkable performance helped the Nuggets secure a commanding 134-116 victory over the Pelicans. Notably, he became the first rookie in NBA history to achieve 20 or more points and sink five or more triples in less than 20 minutes. This exceptional feat sets an incredibly high benchmark for Strawther as he embarks on his promising career in the league. However, considering his assertiveness within Denver's offensive system, there is no doubt that many more extraordinary nights lie ahead for the young talent.
While many were already familiar with Strawther's prowess as a 3-point shooter, his performance on Monday showcased a level of poise and focus that is truly exceptional. Despite logging double-digit minutes off the bench for the first time against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he finished with five points on 1-for-6 shooting from beyond the arc, Strawther's confidence remained unshaken. Even when he didn't see any action in the following game against Dallas, he entered Monday's matchup with unwavering self-assurance.
Confidence is a crucial quality for any shooter, and Strawther possesses it in abundance. His fourth triple of the night was reminiscent of a remarkable 3-pointer he sank against TCU in the NCAA Tournament last season, proving his ability to perform under pressure. Interestingly, both shots were made in the same arena, further highlighting Strawther's exceptional talent and consistency.
With Murray sidelined, Strawther's opportunities and role within the Nuggets' lineup are poised to increase. The team, which has won seven of its first eight games in the 2023-24 season, heavily relied on him as a key player in their second unit during the preseason. Given his exceptional ability to read and react to defenses, Strawther perfectly complements Nikola Jokic, who is widely regarded as the league's most unstoppable player at present.
