Hunter Tyson capitalized on his first career start for the Denver Nuggets, finishing with nine points (4-9 FG, 1-4 3Pt), seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 20 minutes during Monday's 114-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors.
The opportunity came with Christian Braun (foot), Jamal Murray (ankle), and Nikola Jokic (elbow) all sidelined. While all three are considered day-to-day, the Nuggets may opt to manage their minutes in the final weeks of the season to keep them fresh for the playoffs. That could open the door for additional opportunities for Tyson, though his role will likely depend on the team's health.
A second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Tyson has spent much of the season adjusting to the pace of the league. Before Monday's start, he had played in 41 games, averaging just 2.1 points and 1.5 rebounds while shooting 36.5% from the field. Despite limited playing time, he has remained ready and took full advantage of his chance against the Warriors, showing his ability to contribute in multiple areas.
Tyson's journey from Clemson standout to NBA role player continues to develop, and his performance Monday could help him earn more minutes in the rotation when Denver needs depth. If the Nuggets opt to rest starters in the final stretch, Tyson could see additional opportunities to prove himself. For now, his strong showing against the Warriors is an encouraging sign for his growth in the league.
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This story was originally published March 18, 2025 at 7:42 PM.