In the aftermath of a thrilling playoff battle, former Pistons lottery pick Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has garnered admiration for his unwavering sportsmanship. The Nuggets guard’s thoughtful gesture unfolded moments after his teammate Jamal Murray’s buzzer-beating heroics over the outstretched arms of Anthony Davis, propelling the Nuggets to a pivotal Game 2 victory against the Lakers.
As the Nuggets bench erupted in jubilation, Davis’ momentum carried him into their celebratory circle, inadvertently causing his leg to become briefly trapped beneath several bodies. It was then that Caldwell-Pope, Davis’ former teammate in Los Angeles, swiftly intervened. Caldwell-Pope’s quick thinking and concern for his opponent’s well-being amid the Denver bench’s celebration have drawn widespread praise from basketball fans.
Caldwell-Pope’s journey in the NBA began when he was selected by the Pistons with the eighth overall pick in the 2017 draft. During his four seasons in Detroit, he averaged 11.7 points per game. In 2017–18, he joined the Lakers as a free agent, where he played a pivotal role in the team’s 2020 NBA championship triumph. After a brief stint with the Wizards, Caldwell-Pope was traded to Denver in July 2022, where he contributed to their championship victory last season. This season, he continues to be a valuable asset to the Nuggets, averaging 10.1 points per game in a reserve role.
As the Lakers and Nuggets prepare for Game 3 of their first-round playoff series, Caldwell-Pope’s selfless act serves as a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and camaraderie, even in the heat of intense competition.
