Grades: Austin Rivers Goes Off, Nuggets Win Third Straight

Nikola Jokić – A-

That was probably Jokić’s worst performance in his last seven games. I only bother to frame it that way because, of course, he was spectacular, leading both teams in points, rebounds, and assists. Early foul trouble — his own doing, courtesy of the wretched EuroFoul — limited his minutes in the first half, where he limited his shots. He only got six up, and the starters bore most of the responsibility for the halftime deficit. The Nuggets didn’t spend much time in the locker room. It was a brief address from Head Coach Michael Malone, and the Denver was back on the floor warming up in a matter of minutes. It had the desired effect as Jokić and company turned it on in the third quarter. Jokić and Barton put up 21 combined points on 7 of 11 shooting as Denver posted 42 in the frame. That’s where Denver won the game. Big Honey also earned the coveted DPOG chain award thing.

Aaron Gordon – C+

Gordon was average in Brooklyn, though he’s owed an apology here. I held him responsible for some of Cunningham’s damage in Detroit. While I was right to point out it wasn’t exclusive to AG, I missed that AG did a much better job than his teammates.

Now to Brooklyn, where he was able to put a bright red cherry on top of a heap of mediocrity in the closing minutes. Patty Mills found LaMarcus Aldridge in the paint with a nice bounce pass around high pressure, and LA had a seemingly open layup in front of him, which would cut the lead to four. Gordon contested late, but he rose up and over Aldridge, denying Brooklyn’s last gasp.

Will Barton – B-

You must be this tall to board the Thrill Experience. Please keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle. It was a roller coaster in Brooklyn as Barton posted an excellent first quarter, a dreadful second, a very good third, and a bad fourth. Here’s what Barton got right in his approach — Jokić was tentative in the first half, AG wasn’t bringing it, and Morris got off to a slow start. Someone had to be aggressive. Barton’s willing to be that guy, for better or for worse. We saw both in Brooklyn, though the starters needed what he provided in the end. The missed shots are one thing — I think it’s the three second-quarter turnovers that leave a sour taste in the mouth and prevent a higher grade here.

Jeff Green – C+

Green looked, at times, like a resident vet chugging through a road back-to-back. If that’s the case, then he deserves even more credit for his seven rebounds, an atypical contribution from everyone’s favorite uncle. He was just good enough for the starters.

Monte Morris – B-

Morris is searching for this jumper, but he still turned in a classic Monte game. He posted 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists to 0 turnovers. Knocking down his open threes would go a long way, but credit to Morris for finding a way to contribute in the end.

Austin Rivers – A+

Rivers went toe-to-toe with Cam Thomas, the most entertaining aspect of the contest in Brooklyn. Thomas gave Rivers some buckets, but Rivers dropped 25 points in 26:08 off the bench. He knocked down seven threes, and most were no hesitation catch-and-shoot looks. A decisive Rivers is a good bench player. Remember, he’s a depth piece on a minimum deal.

Rivers was the king of the game and also responsible for the quote of the game. “We’re taking the wins,” Rivers told media. “We’re not judging the wins.”

DeMarcus Cousins – B-

Would anyone like to guess who led Denver in first-half scoring? If you thought Boogie, congrats on your ability to pick up on context clues and leading sentences. Cousins played all the hits — knocking down two threes, grabbing seven rebounds in true bruiser fashion, turning it over three times, and earning a quick ejection after two technicals, including one from the FT stripe — where he was shooting! I am in awe at his ability to pack the entire Boogie experience into three games. I almost respect it.

Bryn Forbes – C-

Forbes can’t guard anyone, and he’s yet to look comfortable with the second unit. I still appreciate the addition, though. The second unit needs juice, and Forbes setting for a shot or coming off a screen inspires hope, even if it didn’t bear fruit in Brooklyn.

Facundo Campazzo – C+

The bench played a good game, and Campazzo looked comfortable at the helm despite only getting one shot up. He recorded six assists one steal and didn’t turn it over.

Zeke Nnaji – C+

Nnaji understands he needs to improve his rebounding. It still hasn’t looked great, but he’s making a concerted effort, and good things happened with him on the floor yet again Wednesday night. Malone should stick with the young-in.

Bones Hyland & JaMychal Green – DNP