The 25-year-old American point guard made the long journey from Seattle to Dunedin earlier in the week and was struggling with jet lag.
He squeezed in a couple of practice sessions before hitting the court on Sunday afternoon with a body which was still operating on American time.
The Nuggets eked out a 68-67 win against the Manawatu Jets in a game coach Brent Matehaere described as not pretty.
The 2022 championship banner refused to drop prior to the game and the defending champions could not get the ball to drop much either.
Maybe gravity took Easter weekend off?
McLaughlin struggled too. It was like wading through wet concrete in jandals. But he also showed glimpses of his potential.
There was a clever behind-the-back pass to Robbie Coman, an astonishing drive to the hoop through heavy traffic, and he showed a lot of resolve in what was a gutsy defensive effort by the team.
"My legs were like cramping in that game, but I think it was good to be able to play that much and get my legs back under me," he said.
"I’ve had a good practice today and I think my legs are back and I’m ready to go.
McLaughlin has arrived with an impressive resume.
Following a strong college career with Oregon State (2016-17) and University of California, Santa Barbara (2018-21), he played for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Summer League and signed a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks and played four NBA games for the franchise in late 2021.
He got to play alongside star guard Luka Doncic at the American Airlines Centre which can house up to 20,000 fans.
"I didn’t get too many minutes. But just being able to be on an NBA floor — that is what I wanted to do since I was a young kid.
"That was my dream and that [is] still my goal, to get back there and accomplish that."
McLaughlin was waived by the Mavericks in January last year and plays in the NBA G League for the Santa Cruz Warriors.
New Zealand has become a popular destination for G League players. The National Basketball League dovetails nicely with the end of the season and it is also viewed as a kind of feeder league for the stronger Australian National Basketball League.
"Coming over here is a great opportunity for me to keep playing and show my talent. Either the Australian league or back to the NBA — those are my goals right there.
"The Australian league is great. Everyone in the United States stays up to date with it. There are great players over there and that would be a great opportunity if I was able to do that."
More immediately, though, there is a game against the Southland Sharks on Sunday to prepare for.
"I’m definitely looking for a better shooting performance than I had last game, and bringing the energy and find my team mates and giving them open shots.
"And being able to attack the rim and finish."
