Grades: Denver Nuggets will take anybody

“We’re like the statue of Liberty. We’ll take anybody.”

 – Michael Malone

Austin Rivers – A

Rivers’ initial contributions to this game included some impressive defense on Damian Lillard and modest offerings on the other end. But that’s not how Nuggets fans will remember him in Game 3. Rivers scored 16 points in the final frame alone, including four 3s on five attempts. His teammates whooped and hollered, and Rivers had some words for the Blazers bench after drilling one in their faces. Portland sold out on Jokić in the fourth, and twice that included helping off of Rivers. He made them pay.

“It just feels really good, man.” Rivers told the media. “This game can bring you the lowest feeling in the world…this game can make you feel so good about yourself too.”

Rivers arrived in Denver on a 10-day contract, with more to prove off the court than on it. His reputation preceded him and precluded him from finding that next opportunity. His basketball ability was “never questioned,” he said. It was Rivers’ character that kicked up doubt, “which is actually even worse.”

But Rivers has a home now in Denver. As he’s navigated a journey towards a higher state of self-awareness about who he is as a basketball player, he’s oscillated between a talented role player and someone who wants a more significant role. It’s not an easy path to travel for someone of his talent. Rivers’ career-high is 41. He just won a playoff game on the road. There’s a fine line between playing within oneself and limiting oneself.

Rivers is figuring it out in Denver, where he knows he’s not a star, yet his teammates have embraced him and encouraged him from the jump all the same. What a story it’s been, but the Nuggets are after more than redemption arcs. Onward.

Nikola Jokić – A+

Jokić scored 16 points on 7/9 from the field in a quietly dominant first half. The second half was a little less boring for him. He dropped 14 points in the third quarter, but he struggled to rebound. Nurkić and Robert Covington dominated the glass in the frame. It’s one thing the Blazers did well for most of the night, and it’s why they hung close in a game where they couldn’t hit a three, and the Nuggets couldn’t miss even if they tried.

Jokić evolved from tired to exhausted in the final frame and struggled to score. He did pick it up in the rebound column, though, which helped seal the game. Rivers’ explosion was enough to build a comfortable lead, but the Blazers tore right through it. It was a one-possession game when Monte Morris missed a free throw with 03.2 seconds remaining. Jokić busted through the front lines and tipped the ball up and in after a couple of tries. There are so many ways for him to flash his dominance. He did it again when it mattered most Thursday night.

Jokić is now averaging 36 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in just 34.1 minutes per game in this series. He’s shooting 57% from the field, 50% from deep, and 94% from the line. My goodness.

Michael Porter Jr. – C+

That was Porter’s worst game defensively in a long time, and that seemed to throw him out of whack on the other end. Porter pouted as he struggled to deal with some physical defense from Norm Powell. He scored 15 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, but it felt so underwhelming. Porter is capable of winning quarters by himself with his shooting. Last night, he almost lost one single-handedly with his defense. But he’ll get a chance to respond, and after the game, Nikola Jokić offered an interesting perspective on Porter’s series so far:

“(He’s) not forcing it,” Jokić replied when asked what Porter’s doing well. “He’s using himself as bait. He does not need to score.”

Porter’s presence on the floor makes life easier for Jokić, even if nothing falls. I thought he played well in the first two games. But last night was rough. They’ll need better from him in Game 4.

Aaron Gordon – B-

Gordon sprinted out of the gate Thursday night, displaying the energy and urgency we hoped to see. He scored 13 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, and recorded 3 assists. We didn’t see him guard Lillard for most of the game. Gordon picked him up more than once in the second half, but it didn’t appear a feature of Denver’s game plan. If there’s one area of growth for Gordon heading into Game 4, it’s the rebounding.

Facundo Campazzo – B

Campazzo grabbed 8 rebounds, dished out 8 assists, recorded 2 steals, and even blocked a shot. He was everywhere, and while he missed many open looks, he left his mark on the win. Campazzo made something happen in seemingly every opportunity for a momentum swing. He’s a winner, and he makes winning plays. It’s that simple.

Campazzo also played a crucial role in fouling out Jusuf Nurkić. It’s genuinely hilarious how much trouble Facu’s given him. We’ve seen Nurkić commit charges, miss bunnies, and even euro step around a point guard whom I can look in the eyes.

Monte Morrs – C+

Morris had an off-shooting night, but he picked up five assists as the second unit’s floor general and grabbed five rebounds. Denver needed all the help they could get on the glass.

JaMychal Green – B-

Green finally knocked down a pair of open threes and picked up some monster rebounds. He played well—what a sight for sore eyes.

Paul Millsap – C

Millsap was quiet in nearly 12 minutes off the bench. He got crushed on the boards.

Markus Howard – C

Howard faded into the background. Still, he’s out there. He must be pinching himself.

Shaq Harrison – C+

Shaq only played about five minutes off the bench. He’s like a lefty specialist right now. They wait for a big moment, and they give Dame a different look.