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Nikola Jokic Calls Nuggets Rookie Trevon Brazile an ‘X-Factor’ After Comeback
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- Nikola Jokic Calls Nuggets Rookie Trevon Brazile an ‘X-Factor’ After Comeback
(Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images)
Trevon Brazile stayed ready while waiting on the Denver Nuggets ' bench. By the end of Saturday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans, the rookie had earned overtime minutes and a strong endorsement from Nikola Jokic.
Denver's star center credited Brazile with helping change the game through timely scoring, rebounding and rim protection as the Nuggets completed a comeback at home.
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"Yeah, he was really good, both ends of the floor," Jokic said. "He scored some big points, he had a couple good defensive rebounds, a couple big blocks. So, he was definitely an X-factor for us tonight."
For a rookie trying to establish himself, that assessment carries weight. Brazile contributed in several areas during a stretch when Denver needed stops and productive possessions to recover from a poor first half.
His opportunity also required patience. After limited involvement in the third quarter, Brazile remained prepared for another assignment and ultimately stayed on the floor through overtime.
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Brazile Gives Nuggets a Defensive Lift
Brazile described his approach in straightforward terms: recognize what the game requires and provide it.
"Yeah, I mean I know we needed to pick it up defensively, so I was just trying to give the team what they needed as far as intensity and defense," Brazile said. "I ended up staying in for overtime and made some decent plays down the stretch."
Head coach David Adelman's assessment explained why that contribution mattered. Denver struggled to contain New Orleans early, allowing easy finishes and giving the Pelicans opportunities to establish an offensive rhythm.
Adelman felt the Nuggets were waiting for their offense to generate energy while their defensive problems continued.
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The response took more than a strong finish from the starters. Adelman singled out the opening stretch of the fourth quarter, crediting a group that included Marvin Bagley III and Tyus Jones with supplying energy and getting stops.
He also highlighted a possession in which DeMar DeRozan found Brazile for a backside 3-pointer.
That sequence gave Denver another way to capitalize on its veteran playmaking. Brazile could finish a possession without having to create the opportunity himself, while his defensive activity helped address the team's more immediate need.
Veterans' Trust Gives Brazile an Early Opening
Adelman acknowledged that Brazile still made mistakes away from the ball. Learning unfamiliar NBA actions remains part of the adjustment, even during a productive performance.
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What stood out to the coach was how Brazile responded and the confidence his teammates showed in him.
"The biggest compliment you can give a guy that's a rookie in our league is that the veterans on his team trust him," Adelman said. "They have a comfort level with him out there with them."
That trust is significant on a team with established players handling important possessions. Staying on the floor late requires a rookie to understand assignments, recover from mistakes and contribute when the ball goes elsewhere.
Brazile's performance offered an early example of how he can do that. He supplied defensive intensity, finished opportunities and remained involved after spending time on the bench.
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One game does not settle his place in Denver's rotation. Adelman emphasized that nights like this will not happen every time.
But against New Orleans, Brazile gave the Nuggets a reason to keep turning to him — and gave Jokic plenty to appreciate.
