Nuggets Avoid Sweep in Denver

Nikola Jokić – A+

The threes are falling again for Jokić. That’s a critical development if the Nuggets are to make history. He’s shooting confidently and figuring Draymond Green out on the other end. Jokić looks like the best player in the series now, and he leads the playoffs in points per game after dropping 37 in game four. He was so active on the offensive end, working quickly on mismatches and attacking while on the move when guarded by bigger defenders. The off-ball movement is a staple of his MVP ascension, and he utilized it to fluster a connected defensive side. Jokić was effective at all-three levels, busting out a devastating mid-range game when in need of a bail-out bucket. Denver stayed composed and executed high-low post entry when Golden State got more creative in their ball denial, and while things tightened up in the clutch, Denver avoided total disaster.

He wasn’t on the floor in the final possession of the game. Of course, the Warriors went small, and Michael Malone made a defensive substitution. MVP narratives aside, there’s perhaps one, maybe two bigs in the league who should be on the floor in those moments. And Jokić utilized the time wisely, recognizing the setup and alerting his teammates to the possibility of a lob. Even after taking a finger to the eye, Jokić sees all.

Aaron Gordon – A-

Gordon had to prove it to himself. Sometimes you’re all the help you’ve got, and it’s up to you to improve your situation. With plenty of time to look in the mirror, AG’s decided he’s not the player who showed up for games one and two. He followed a strong response in game 3 with his best defensive performance in the series. Perhaps his best as a Nugget in the playoffs. On the other end, he was the aggressor, getting to the line 13 times and knocking down 10 of those attempts. He looked like the player Denver gladly extended before the season. Now, he’s got to keep that confidence up on the road.

Will Barton – D+

Will Barton was not in on this party. The Denver Nuggets were playing their best basketball of the postseason, and Barton was no-showing. He struggled to hit his shots, nothing improved defensively, and he committed a frustrating late-game foul. It was looking like a certified stinker from Denver’s go-to fall guy. But Barton’s always had a short memory. With a two-point lead and 9.7 seconds remaining, the longest-tenured Nugget rose confidently from the left corner. Dagger.

To celebrate avoiding a sweep is a low bar, admittedly. This injection of joy comes a little too late, and reality will likely sober us soon enough. But consider how long Barton’s been in Denver and how bumpy the road has been to his first playoff moment. Core injuries have sapped him, and he’s moving slowly after all the minutes he’s given Malone through the years. These injuries were probably not freak accidents. While it’s ugly now, Barton’s willingly and capably worn more than one hat in Denver. He’s been a backup point guard, starting shooting guard, starting small forward, a scorer, a facilitator, and an emotional leader in the locker room. He’s contributed to every step of the rebuild, and it’s cost him. Who knows when this team will be whole again? Who knows if that will include Thrill? It’s ok to celebrate the small victories in life. Barton got one Sunday evening.

Jeff Green – F

Green did not record his first stat as a starter in a playoff game until the third quarter—a remarkable feat. Malone finally adjusted and reallocated a large share of his minutes to Austin Rivers, which proved wise. More on that later.

Monte Morris – A

Morris still has plenty to prove as a playoff piece. Sure, he’s in an extended role now, but he’s struggled with wide-open threes in the series, which evokes memories of his three-pointless playoff run. He turned in another poor first half Sunday and felt his back scrape up against the proverbial wall like AG before him. He was out of room to retreat and running out of time to push back.

How about 5 for 5 from deep in the third quarter? Morris responded with a gutsy shooting performance that was essential to the win. Those looks will be there for him again.

Bones Hyland – A+

We knew the kid would get one playoff moment. At least one. Bones Hyland dropped 9 points via three 29+ footers in 65 seconds. It doesn’t get much more electric than that. Hyland’s not just capable of generating runs all by himself. He’s built to capitalize on them on his home court. He plays to the crowd like he’s born for the stage, bringing his beloved Mile High City to their feet. He’s too young and fearless to let 3-0 get him down. He’s ready to believe after tasting playoff victory for the first time.

Austin Rivers – A+

Rivers played as hard as anyone on the court. He committed himself to defense as if his life depended on it, and Denver wouldn’t win that game without his effort. Malone finally closed with Rivers, a move that might’ve helped deliver the win in game 3. Alas. It’s evident he brings more to the series than Jeff, and he should absorb those minutes again in San Francisco.

He finished with five steals and a game-sealing denial of an out-of-bounds lob play from Steve Kerr. After the game, he credited his teammates for the constant communication. He also claimed he was robbed of a steal in the box score.

DeMarcus Cousins – A

Cousins scored 10 points in 10 minutes and did not miss a shot. According to DNVR Nuggets Stats & Info — that whips ass. Boogie is bullying a Golden State second unit that’s seemingly designed to be bullied. I’d guess he’s enjoying the role.

Side note: a video surfaced of the Nuggets’ bench after the Barton dagger. Cousins embraced him, a relevant anecdote considering their documented spat earlier in the series. This group splintered, but they appear intent on avoiding shattering.