Nuggets-Trail Blazers Grades: Torrey Craig saves the day

In a high-stakes matchup on national television, the Denver Nuggets outlasted the Portland Trail Blazers 119-110 win thanks to some big performances from Denver’s frontcourt and one unexpected hero.

We grade every performance from the Nuggets with our Dynamic Player Rating (DPR), which takes into account 12 different statistical factors.

Note: for DPRs that are lacking context, our beat reporters are offering their scout’s grade.

Nikola Jokic (A-) 81.40 — Jokic fell one assist short of a triple-double against Portland marking the seventh time this year that he’s fallen a single assist or rebound short of the feat. It should come as no surprise that with Jokic’s uptick in assists — he’s dished out 18 over last two games compared to 21 in the previous five — the Nuggets have found their offense again. Jokic was proficient scoring down low on his way to 22 points on a 63 eFG%, adding 13 rebounds, two steals, and a block in a plus-6 outing. His 111 DRtg wasn’t great but Jokic had a high-end performance otherwise.

Jamal Murray (B) 73.66 — Murray found his shooting stroke in this one, scoring 23 points on a 63 TS%, nailing two 3s and getting to the line seven times without a miss from the charity stripe. His ORtg of 150 was phenomenal and he added six assists and four rebounds with a steal. In 35 minutes, he was strong even if his defensive output was a bit lacking.

Paul Millsap (B) 73.38 — Millsap asserted himself offensively, taking and making most of the one-on-one matchups down low that Portland gifted him on his way to a 25-point night on an 82 TS%. Not bad in just 30 minutes of play. His 133 ORtg was excellent as he added seven rebounds, a steal and two assists in a plus-5 outing.

Scout’s Grade (A) — Millsap saved Denver in the first half with a 10-point second quarter and was a source of reliable offense all night long. Expect more performances like this from him in the playoffs.

Will Barton (D) 39.98 — Barton had a quiet and underwhelming night getting outshined by Denver’s bench players on the perimeter. In 23 minutes all he had to show were four points on abysmal shooting percentages with only a single rebound, assist, and block in a minus-7 outing.

Gary Harris (D) 41.68 — Harris didn’t have the best game either and really struggled from beyond the arc. He missed all five of his attempts, many of which came on wide-open looks. To his credit, Harris did impact the game a bit more than Barton, getting to the line twice and making all four his attempts on his way to six points with two steals and a rebound.

Torrey Craig (B) 72.65 — Craig was the unsung hero of the game, making some crucial putbacks in the final minutes and then putting the game on ice with a key three-pointer. Craig finished with 18 points in 27 minutes while shooting 77 percent per eFG%, with a superb 181 ORtg. His presence on the boards was just as important as his scoring, as he pulled down four offensive rebounds and seven total on a plus-10 night. The Nuggets wouldn’t have won if not for Craig.

Scout’s Grade (A) — Craig was fantastic for Denver in this one, acting as the battering ram Denver needed against a tough Portland team. While the Nuggets play the beautiful game and are stocked with finesse players, Craig is the opposite, which is why he fits so well in a role as Denver’s ninth man. He was flying all over the court Friday. Craig is one of the better offensive rebounders at his position and had four against the Trail Blazers.

Monte Morris (C+) 62.45 — Morris was efficient, scoring eight points on an 80 eFG% for a fantastic 167 ORtg. He stayed turnover free and dished out two assists as well, in a plus-12 game. Not bad for 14 minutes of play, the type of game Denver will be counting on him to have in the playoffs. Portland’s long wings forced Morris off the floor, hence his low minutes total.

Mason Plumlee (C-) 49.78 — Plumlee’s performance wasn’t great on paper, as he only scored four points in 28 minutes while racking up four fouls. Statistically, he just wasn’t great with a 99 ORtg, a 115 DRtg, and an ugly 20 eFG%. He did however add six rebounds, four assists, a steal and two blocks making his presence felt against Portland’s bigs.

Malik Beasley (C+) 62.37 — Beasley made an impact scoring nine points in 17 minutes off of a 64 eFG%. That scoring was essential as Denver’s wings struggled to put the ball into the hoop on the night. Beasley added two steals and two assists in a plus-15 outing.