The Denver Nuggets Fall to Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves

Nikola Jokić – B

We’ve never seen Nikola Jokić don a leather jacket before a game. We may never see it again after the disaster it preceded. Jokić was aggressive in Denver’s first loss of the season. He quickly recognized what wouldn’t happen for the Nuggets and tried to manifest a win through sheer will. But the Wolves are well-built to defend Denver and have a preferred strategy.

Rudy Gobert got to live in the paint with Aaron Gordon on the floor, making life difficult for Jokić, who otherwise knows how to handle Karl-Anthony Towns. Gobert’s impact extended beyond annoying Jokić. It cut off drives to the rim and played a significant role in the quiet nights for Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr. Frustrating quickly permeated Jokić’s game, and he eventually withdrew from severe attempts at swimming the outcome. He battled, but it wasn’t enough, and his production suffered as his teammates struggled. Jokić finished with fewer assists than turnovers while shooting below fifty percent at the rim.

Jamal Murray – D+

The worst shooting half of Jamal Murray’s career put Denver in a tough spot. The lead ballooned as he missed makable shots and forced some ill-advised ones. It was the fifth game in eight nights, and Murray’s energy dropped—particularly on the defensive end. By the time he found his second wind, a cloud of futility hung over the comeback attempt. He’d rediscover the pep in his step before the night was done, but it was too little too late.

Michael Porter Jr. – D

At his best, Porter makes an under-appreciated all-around impact on the game. At his worst, he drifts through the action like a ghost, unsure where he is or why. The latter better describes his efforts in Minnesota. He shot 2 of 11 from the floor and finished -19 in 25 minutes. Porter’s inconsistent start to the season is mainly attributed to his ankle injury and missed preseason. Still, it’s okay to highlight the obvious—the Nuggets aren’t getting what they need from MPJ so far. That’s particularly clear on a night when Jamal Murray wasn’t in top form.

Aaron Gordon – D

Gordon struggled to make an impact as the Wolves deployed a strategy Denver sees more in the playoffs. He was unwilling to take the three-pointer, which is appreciated on some level as it’s the shot the Wolves want him to take. But not even looking at the rim made life harder for Denver’s starters. More concerning was the need for more utility in other areas. It was four on five during some stretches.

KCP – C-

Pope’s impressive start on the defensive end finally met some resistance from a formidable opponent. Anthony Edwards is a specimen and challenging for any guard to match up with. KCP couldn’t make as dramatic an impact this time around. Edwards led all Wolves with 24 points. That’s a respectable effort from Pope, and Edwards turned it over four times as well, but Pope’s been a lockdown defender since banner night. It’s harder to describe his performance that way in the first loss of the season.

Reggie Jackson – C+

Jackson finished with five assists to one turnover, which Nuggets fans will take every time. Unfortunately, this would have been an ideal night for some shotmaking magic off the bench. Jackson couldn’t provide it this time around.

Christian Braun – B

Braun is rebounding the ball like a man possessed. It’s one thing to accrue a significant total by being big and in the right place at the right time. Braun is going and getting boards that he has no business corralling. He’s insatiable on the court—an absolute maniac.

Zeke Nnaji – B

Nnaji led all Nuggets off the bench with 9 points, grabbed five rebounds, and blocked two shots. He even knocked down a 3, although his next attempt missed by several feet. His work rate is a constant so far, and his confidence is growing slowly but surely.

Peyton Watson – C

Watson was quiet in his 15 minutes. He led all Nuggets off the bench with his two giveaways. He also got cooked by Naz Reid a couple of times. That’s a significant size disadvantage, but the bench switches. It’s part of his job.

Julian Strawther – C

It only took Strawther 15 minutes on the floor to get six 3s up. He only knocked down one. Most of his time on the floor was spent in futility or catch-up mode. But it’s encouraging to see him out there all the same. Malone is slowly working him into the rotation as promised. Strawther also blocked two shots in the loss.