Julian Strawther showcases defensive tenacity, Nuggets fall to 0-2 in NBA Summer League

Strawther shows quick reflexes in front of Gonzaga head coach Mark Few

His shots weren’t falling, but Julian Strawther still showcased the tenacity and defensive versatility that helped make him a first-round pick in last month’s draft.

Strawther overcame his 2-for-13 shooting display with high energy and unwavering determination during the Denver Nuggets’ 98-93 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas.

Strawther’s first hustle play came when he dove for a loose ball and tumbled hard onto the floor. He cut his face in the process, resulting in him exiting the game with three minutes remaining in the first half.

Two minutes later, the 6-foot-7 wing returned to the floor and almost instantly denied a dunk attempt from Kobe Bufkin at the rim. Strawther’s two-handed block was widely heralded as the defensive play of the night.

OK JULIAN 🚫 pic.twitter.com/QsJyS7Wlg6

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) July 10, 2023

There to witness it was Gonzaga men's basketball head coach Mark Few, who coached Strawther for three seasons. Strawther was not an elite shot-blocker in college, averaging 0.2 blocks per game.

Denver’s offense remained efficient despite Strawther’s shooting struggles, with the team connecting on 41.4% of its attempts from beyond the arc.

The Nuggets face the Utah Jazz at 6:30 p.m. PST on Wednesday at Cox Pavillion.