Grades: Denver Nuggets Clinch Playoff Spot

Headband Jokić – A+

As far as suboptimal starts to Nuggets games go, Jokić suffering a deep cut on his head and bleeding on the floor is up there. But that’s how the Nuggets began a night that ended gloriously. Jokić hit the sideline for treatment, briefly returned before opening up again, and ultimately settled on a headband to cover the gash. A bright red headband. He looked as unserious as he was dominant, the former and the latter swirling to create a remarkable viewing experience. Big Honey finished with 35 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block.

Jokić knows a little bit more than he lets on. He and his teammates knew he was only two points away from becoming the first player in NBA history to post 2000 points, 1000 rebounds, and 500 assists in the same season, and they gunned for one last field goal. I think the Grizzlies knew, too, as they sold out to prevent it. For a bizarre stretch, the game’s result seemed secondary to a battle over pride and history. But Jokić got his bucket, and the Nuggets got their win, clinching the six seed. Fittingly, Jokić posted his best +/- of the season—a head-spinning +37.

Aaron Gordon – B+

The AG resurgence continues. He shot 3 of 3 from deep in the first quarter when he scored 14 points to keep Denver afloat while Jokić received treatment. He wouldn’t hit another 3 for the remainder of the game, but his touch stayed with him as he buried a few turnaround jumpers. He also sent Kyle Anderson to the shadow realm with an and-one alley-oop. He turned it over five times, preventing an honor roll appearance, but AG played with the intensity the game called for, and he played well.

Will Barton – B-

Barton got off to a slow start in the first quarter, firing away while inspiring little confidence. But he found his footing offensively. He finished with a 3 in each corner, a handful of finishes around the rim and knocked down four free throws. He turned it over three times, though, and his defense remains ghastly.

Monte Morris – B-

Morris knocked down a couple of threes, but that’s not the information you desire. You came here for a Monte check. Five assists to one turnover? The Full Monte.

Jeff Green – C+

Green returned to the lineup after spending a few days on the injury report for personal reasons. Green hustled, which I’ve hammered him for in these report cards. He grabbed five rebounds, which fills his quota for an entire week of basketball.

DeMarcus Cousins – D

3:48 seconds isn’t a lot of time to find a groove or rectify mistakes. It’s also not a lot of time to post a -12. The Jokić > Cousins swing was as big as it gets Thursday night.

JaMychal Green – C+

Green didn’t have a monster night on the glass. No one did outside of Jokić. But Denver still out-rebounded Memphis by committee, and Green added five of his own, including two OREB.

Austin Rivers – B-

Rivers got himself to the rim and the charity stripe against Memphis. He’s got a quick burst and occasionally enjoys success inside, as he did against Memphis. He added nine points off the bench.

Bones Hyland – A-

Bones bounced back predictably. He knocked down 4 of 5 from distance and dished out seven assists. He picked up three of those in transition, where he might already be Denver’s best guard. The Nuggets are numbingly bad at it, but Bones quickly gets up the floor. He also flashed his feel for the game operating the pick and roll. It was an excellent showing.

Davon Reed – Played?

The Nuggets did not create a roster spot for Davon Reed by the deadline. He will not be eligible to play in the playoffs. Did that mean Bryn Forbes returned to the rotation? No. Curiously, Reed played again.