The upcoming second-round matchup between the OKC Thunder and Denver Nuggets is one that's chock-full of attention-grabbing storylines.
From the showdown between this year's top-two MVP candidates in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic to Oklahoma City's prodigal son Russell Westbrook needing to take down the team nearest and dearest to his heart in order to continue his quest for a long-coveted title, this semifinal bout is bound to be an emotional roller coaster throughout.
Yet, though these may be the most entertaining talking points surrounding this series, they are far from the most important for the Thunder to focus their energy on.
In fact, some could easily make the case that the one name Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company should be keeping their eyes on coming into Monday's Game 1 is a player who, though far from a household name outside of the Mile High City, has actually given OKC the most problems throughout the 2024-25 campaign.
Said individual: Christian Braun.
Christian Braun has been a problem all year for OKC Thunder
Now in year three in the association, Braun wrapped up the regular season with career-highs all across the board.
Through 79 games and 77 starts, the two guard dropped nightly averages of 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 58.0 percent from the floor and 39.7 percent from distance.
In four games played against the Thunder, the former Kansas standout only managed to up these career-best numbers even higher, as he finished the season series with 18.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks on 49.1 percent shooting from the field and 42.9 percent shooting from distance.
Most importantly, Braun finished things off with the highest offensive rating and best plus-minus on his entire team at 118.7 and +1.2, respectively.
It's worth noting about Oklahoma City heading into Monday's Game 1 that, though they may have established themselves as the best defensive team in the league this year and handily downed the Memphis Grizzlies in sweep fashion in round one, recently, they have been somewhat susceptible to allowing backcourt talents to find their rhythm.
From Bradley Beal dropping 25 points on 50.0 percent shooting right before the postseason to Scotty Pippen Jr. going off for 18.3 points on 35.7 percent shooting from distance per game during the quarterfinals, there are several examples of Oklahoma City seeing opposing guards shine.
The difference with this Nuggets team compared to the Suns and Grizzlies, however, is that they're built to capitalize on such happenings.
Already, the Thunder's defense is going to have its hands full trying to contain the likes of Jokic down low, while Luguentz Dort will likely need to be glued to stud point guard Jamal Murray (who just recently had a 43-point outburst against the Clippers).
Though they are without question the two this defense needs to to focus the bulk of their attention on, Christian Braun cannot be forgotten about, for, based on how he played during their 2-2 series during the regular season, he's more than capable of taking advantage of the lack of attention, whether it be on the perimeter or when finishing strong near the rim (shoots 70.7 percent within five feet).