Braun: Techs after poster on Gobert hurt Nuggets

Denver Nuggets wing Christian Braun said the technical foul he received after his poster on Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert hurt his team Friday.

Following Braun's spectacular dunk, both players were given technical fouls after Braun flexed his arms and stepped into Gobert. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year responded by wrapping his arm around Braun's neck and shoulder and pushing him.

The Timberwolves went on to outscore the Nuggets 17-6 in the final 5:14 to win the contest 119-116.

"I got to be more responsible," Braun said, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. "It's two points. Obviously, those are the plays you want to make, and those are the momentum plays I want to make, but getting a tech throws the momentum their way, so I got to do a better job of controlling myself."

Braun added that he needs to be better after finishing with 14 points and seven rebounds in 36 minutes.

"He made a great play, and there's always a little adrenaline," Gobert said. "He kind of stepped towards my space and nothing really happened. But it's part of the game. ... I have nothing against Braun. I actually think he's a very good player. He's a good kid. But it's a big win for us. And the way we overcame adversity tonight as a group is the type of win that I think makes you grow as a team."

Gobert recorded 17 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in the victory.

The Timberwolves eliminated the Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals last season, ending Denver's championship defense.