In Game 2 against the San Antonio Spurs, the Denver Nuggets had their backs against the wall before pulling off a comeback for the ages, willing their way to a 114-105 win to even the series 1-1.
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-) 79.86 — Jokic was in fine form, keeping the Nuggets’ offense afloat before Murray’s 21-point fourth-quarter explosion. Jokic was two assists shy of a triple-double, scoring 21 points on a 53 eFG%. His two makes from beyond the arc were crucial and his one miss just spun out the rim, a very encouraging sign moving forward. Jokic also played solid defense, sporting a 104 DRtg with two steals and was a plus-17 on the night. His efficient offensive performance showed up in his 119 ORtg and 21 GmSc in 39 minutes.
Jamal Murray (B) 70.55 — Considering how rough his game was over the first three quarters, Murray pulling off a B-grade is pretty impressive. Murray went off in the fourth, scoring 21 of his 24 points, including two incredibly clutch 3s to lift Denver to the win. He finished the game with a 59 TS% and a 126 ORtg. He also added four assists, didn’t turn the ball over and recorded one steal. His stats were good but the way in which he led the Nuggets to a series-saving comeback was even more impressive. It could easily be argued that he played at an A-level considering his huge final quarter but when you take his performance through four quarters into account a B seems about right.
Scout’s Grade (A) — Murray gets an A even though he was a dud through three quarters. His fourth-quarter performance simply saved Denver’s season and the confidence he gained from closing the Spurs out in Game 2 could propel him to a strong rest of the series.
Paul Millsap (B+) 74.62 — Another Nuggets starter to go over 20 points, Millsap was assertive early on scoring 20 points on an efficient 75 eFG% with a 143 ORtg. Denver’s veteran forward added seven rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block, making his presence felt in all areas on his way to a team-leading plus-25.
Gary Harris (B) 72.93 — Harris is averaging 21.5 points in the series which is a huge difference from the 12.9 he averaged over the regular season. He’s found his stroke from 3 in the postseason and went off for 23 points on Tuesday with a 71 eFG% and 129 ORtg. In 35 minutes he also added one assist, five rebounds and was a plus-22 on the night.
Scout’s Grade (A) — Harris also gets an A from me for his two-way play in Game 2. He was strong on both ends of the floor and his breakaway dunk in the third was the play that initially set the Nuggets’ comeback in motion. Harris has been Denver’s best player through two games in the series.
Will Barton (D) 41.66 — Barton struggled mightily, only scoring three points in 26 minutes for a minus-6 plus-minus and a -2 GmSc. While he did add five rebounds and three assists, his struggles from beyond the arc and even the charity stripe were really troubling. He ended the game with a 43 ORtg and a 112 DRtg.
Malik Beasley (C) 59.39 — Beasley didn’t necessarily light up the scoreboard in 23 minutes but he made his presence felt. He finished the night as a plus-13, scored eight points and made half of his long-distance attempts, sporting a 57 eFG%. Beasly also posted a 122 ORtg and added three assists with three boards to boot, giving Denver exactly what they needed off the bench.
Scout’s Grade (A) — When Beasley played Tuesday night, he produced. The only problem was he could barely get off the bench in the first half of Game 2. But he was on the floor most of the third and fourth quarters Tuesday night and provided the Nuggets with a 3-point threat that they had lacked for most of these last two games.
Monte Morris (C+) 61.21 — Morris played a big role off the bench as well with six assists, zero turnovers, and a quick 11 points in 24 minutes. With a 123 ORtg, Morris was integral to getting the Nuggets’ offense in motion prior to Murray breaking out in the final quarter.
Mason Plumlee (D+) 47.82 — Plumlee once again didn’t have his best night as he finished as a minus-6 in the game with four points, five rebounds, two assists, and one block. His ORtg of 110 matched his DRtg as he hasn’t been able to impose himself on the Spurs’ bigs just yet.
