Pacers Notebook: Bruce Brown enjoys his own ring night, then records double-double in loss at Denver
Now with the Pacers, Brown wasn't able to be with his former team on opening night as they celebrated the 2023 NBA Title. So Sunday's game was all about him — and he had to hold back tears.
Before the Pacers tipped off against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday afternoon, loud chants of “BRUUUUCE” filled the arena.
Pacers guard Bruce Brown walked to center court at Ball Arena and was presented with his championship ring from last season. He put it on briefly, then was mobbed by his former teammates at the middle of the court. He posed for a few photos, took off the ring and somehow, he managed to overcome the emotions to play the game.
“It was great. It was more than what I expected,” Brown said postgame (via 9NEWS). “I didn’t know the crowd was going to cheer like that. I almost started crying, but I had to hold it in.”
It was a moment he thought about, especially back on opening night when he saw Denver celebrate the championship without him.
“That’s just a big moment for my guys last year,” he said back on Oct. 25. “It was great seeing them go out there and get their ring. The ring looks insane so I can’t wait to get mine in January. It was a great night seeing them happy and get their rings. A lot of hard work went into that.”