Nikola Jokić – A-
It was not looking good after 12 minutes of play. Jokić missed four shots and turned it over three times as he looked tentative while attacking his counterpart. Joel Embiid scored 12 quick points, and the Nuggets trailed by 15 before the second quarter began. It felt like a disaster brewing, but a close watch revealed some shot luck for Philadelphia and errors easily eliminated from Denver. The Sixers looked like they were running away with it, but the Nuggets just needed to hold onto the rope. Rarely, if ever, does Jokić let go.
Typically, the script calls for a Jokić takeover in such scenarios, but Big Honey got his Big Wish — a balanced effort in the comeback and a lot of help from the second unit. The Nuggets played the right way and played “for each other,” Jokić later said. Bones Hyland played the hero, with Jokić content to keep a steady hand on the wheel as they navigated a choppy comeback.
Does this game help Jokić’s MVP case? It can’t hurt. Jokić and company denied Embiid a signature win and, more importantly, picked up a vital victory with the hungry Timberwolves hot on their trail.
Aaron Gordon – C
Gordon looked like he was laboring through the night, and as it turned out, he was. Malone revealed after the game that Gordon felt ill and toughed out a questionable appearance. AG missed game time to assuage nausea, which is a less offensive way to say he threw up. It felt weird to write that without any sort of warning.
Will Barton – B
Barton was the second-leading scorer among starters, dropping 20 on 14 shots. He turned in a putrid effort on defense to start the game but steeled up from there and put a quality bounce-back game together.
Monte Morris – B-
Morris had nowhere to hide defensively in this matchup, but at least you never have to question his effort. He sensed the moment and put forth a composed effort offensively. In a game that almost saw Denver sink themselves with turnovers, Morris avoided the sin altogether and put up six assists as well. The Full Monte.
Jeff Geen – C
Green finished some majestic jams and managed to grab four rebounds. That’s twice as many as he pulled down against Toronto. All three of his field goals were dunks, courtesy of Jokić.
Bones Hyland – A+
We could call this an impressive performance on the road for the rookie, but Bones Hyland looked right at home in Philly. In truth, he wasn’t far from home, and an undetermined amount of fans came out to see him play. Like all good legends, the figure changes with each person we ask. There were over 100 friends and family members in attendance, Harrison Wind first reported. Then Malone told us it was about 500. Bones claims it was closer to 600, or 700.
However many the Boneyard comprised, they were all treated to a show. The rookie led all bench scorers with 21 points, leading his second unit to an overwhelming victory. Denver doesn’t win this game without their minutes, particularly the kid who closed the game with the big boys. I could keep going, but you’ve got highlights to watch. Hyland gave you plenty.
JaMychal Green – A
Green played the entire fourth quarter and earned every second of the opportunity with his inspiring defense to that point. He then took advantage by grabbing six points, six rebounds, stealing the ball, and helping the starters seal the win. The locker room erupted in joy when Malone handed Green the DPOG chain.
DeMarcus Cousins – B+
Cousins bounced back from a lackluster effort with great minutes in Philly. He put up four assists off the bench, scored eight points on six shots, and provided that proverbial edge when he got on the nerves of James Harden. The two locked into a staredown so hollow that Cousins burst into laughter as he considered the challenger. Perhaps you don’t put much stock into these moments, and maybe you’re right not to. But I remember Trae Young shushing the Nuggets bench on their home floor. Bravado has its place in the association.
