The Denver Nuggets hosted Oklahoma City this weekend, but the real thunder was on Friday at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver. Young basketball lovers spent the afternoon exchanging gifts, playing games, and making new friends with NBA champions and their representatives.

In October, CBS Colorado witnessed the Boys & Girls Clubs of Colorado reveal an outdoor court funded by money raised during the Nuggets’ championship victory. Rocky, the Nuggets’ mascot, as well as cheerleaders and players, joined children on the same court on Friday for a holiday party.

Children cheered as Peyton Watson, Aaron Gordan, Julian Strawther, DeAndre Jordan, Christian Braun, and Reggie Jackson arrived.

Strawther says he wants to be a role model for younger followers, and not simply because of his height.

“Hopefully, I can inspire them both on and off the floor,” Strawther added. “Being a better player and a better person, knowing that they might watch me a little closer now that they’ve had an opportunity to have a conversation with me and see me in person.”

The Nuggets pitched in in every room, from making candles to beading necklaces. Young fans playing NBA 2K with Gordon could be found down the hall.

“I love this community,” Gordon added. “I wish we could bring everybody to the games, but any time we’re able to give these kids is so important.”

For the guys on the court and the kids at the clubs, time is of the essence. But it’s not about the minutes you spend playing, but about the minutes you spend making memories.

“This is really cool because a lot of kids don’t get to have this,” said KJ, a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs. “We’re overjoyed to have the gifts. I’m proud of everyone that helped the Boys & Girls Club. Thank you very much.”

At the end of the night, children were able to select gifts from CBS Colorado’s Together for Colorado Toy Drive. If you want to help, you can drop off a toy at any of the King Soopers outlets in the Denver metro area. The toy drive will conclude on Christmas Eve.