Grades: Jokić Nearly Buries Wizards Before Ejection, Nuggets Hang On

Nikola Jokić – A+

Let’s get the nitpicks out of the way. Jokić played loose in the fourth quarter with a big lead remaining — fair game when that lead was once 30-plus — which became suddenly consequential when he (allegedly) earned an ejection. The lead had dwindled, and once Jokić sat, the bottom fell out. The Wizards’ furious rally ultimately fell short, and all is well that ends well. Let’s talk about greatness now.

With all due respect to his teammates, who each exist independent of Jokić as a player and deserve more credit than we like to give, I’m obliged to acknowledge the circumstances under which he’s casually annihilating the competition. The Nuggets injury report looks like a team many of us would pay to see. In some ways, it’s a team many of have us have paid to see. In fact, it’s most of the team the season ticket holders are paying to see. That hasn’t stopped him from an otherworldly start to the season, an eye-test observation reinforced by an array of jaw-dropping numbers. For example:

Since 1974, here is the list of players to average 40 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists per 100 possessions:

Nikola Jokic.

That’s it. That’s the list.

— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) December 14, 2021

Jokić played in 30:36 of Tuesday night’s win. He recorded 28 points on 14 shots, 19 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block. The kicker is how easy he made it look. He only surpassed second gear to unleash fury on the referees — the opposition required less effort. He left professional defenders helpless without leaving his feet. Flat-footed dominance, as coined by Adam Mares.

Jokić was either born with or developed that inarticulable instinct possessed by the past and present great artists. He is a true genius on the basketball court, playing the game at his own pace and redefining dominance — expanding our understanding of what it means to be great. I could say that Jokić is moving mountains right now, but that exhausted expression designed for hyperbole somehow undersells his campaign. The MVP is an improved player, not just from last season but from Game 1. The debilitating injuries only seem to have presented new challenges for him to overcome. That mountain is indeed in motion. Jokić is tossing it around like a water polo ball.

Jeff Green – B+

Green’s welcome contributions to the starting lineup continued in Ball Arena with 13 points on six shots and 5 rebounds. He’s staggeringly impressive above the rim for his age, and the bursts of athleticism on display when he drives are hard to comprehend. Green is a young man, but not a young athlete. That rears its head in his selective and limited effort on defense, but when he presses the ‘Go’ button, he’s still got it.

Aaron Gordon – A-

Gordon could not go through shootaround and was listed as questionable with low back pain. He still played and took the Bradley Beal assignment. Beal was shockingly irrelevant to the result, and Malone credited Gordon as a “warrior” after the game. AG also busted out a vicious windmill to cap off a Facu-induced fast break. That impressed me, as when I experience lower back pain, I make my girlfriend bring me food in bed.

Davon Reed – B-

Reed missed every shot he took, and it didn’t matter much. He knows what’s asked of him with the starters — fight for rebounds and play tenacious defense. He did just that on the final day of his 10-day contract.

Monte Morris – A

Morris was excellent against the Wizards. He was efficient, assertive, and represented some of the only hope when Jokić left the game. Morris had to step up with no Barton, and he obliged with 22 points on 14 shots, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and did not turn the ball over. The Full Monte. 

Facundo Campazzo – B-

El Mago dazzled early with several spectacular assists and relentless defense. I need a Fitbit on this dude at all times — he’s shattering step-related world records every game night.

Facu was on the floor when the wheels came off in the fourth, though, and his effort couldn’t make him any taller, which became a problem on defense during that stretch. Still, Facu’s redemption tour continues. He played well in Ball Arena.

Facundo Campazzo en modo Magic Johnson. pic.twitter.com/FZFdQt8qFm

— VarskySports (@VarskySports) December 14, 2021

Zeke Nnaji – C+

Nnaji remains ignored as a weapon on offense, though he found a way to contribute with his defense. Montrezl Harrell is not an easy assignment off the bench, and Nnaji held his own.