Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun says he is fully motivated to bounce back after an injury-plagued 2025-26 campaign that limited him to just 44 games.

Following a breakout 2024-25 season in which he started 77 games, Braun dealt with multiple injuries last year but believes the adversity will only make him stronger.

“Sometimes it’s good to get punched in the mouth a little bit,” he said. “It’s good to have that little setback. Definitely motivated. Definitely excited for the summer. Just got to attack the ankle and make sure the ankle’s in a good spot. I know I’ll bounce back and I know who I am as a player so I’m really excited.”

Braun enters the first season of his five-year, $125 million contract extension and is optimistic both about his health and Denver’s championship chances.

“I’m going to be OK. I’m always going to be OK. It’s in the past. It is what it is at this point,” he said. “This team is resilient. This team is really good. It’s a championship built roster. We’re excited for next year. We’re excited to compete. We’re excited to be healthy.”

Nuggets Notes: Braun, Bamba, Brazile, Valanciunas https://t.co/lPTG1qA0kA