DNVR Player Grades: second unit finds their way in second half

The Denver Nuggets’ starters have played more minutes than any lineup in the NBA, and they’ve outplayed virtually everyone they’ve faced this season. But the well-discussed vaunted depth coming into the season has yet to manifest itself in the form of a capable second unit. The bench has struggled mightily, and Malone is still tinkering with what was initially supposed to be a ten-man rotation as he searches for a winning combination.

That trend continued in the first half as the bench scored a combined eight points on just three field goals while turning the ball over four times. Phoenix’s Ellie Okobo and Cheick Diallo combined for 19 as the Suns took a five-point lead into the half.

The second unit found their way in the final 24 minutes, however, combining for 27 points with six of them coming from Malik Beasley, who has been out of the rotation for most of November. It was the third instance of a successful resurrection of a player who looked to be out of the picture this season, as this once 10-man rotation appears to run 12-deep now, with a bullpen, if you will, consisting of Beasley, Torrey Craig, Juancho Hernangomez and Michael Porter Jr. All four of them appeared in the Nuggets 116-104 win at home—although Craig was pulled after just one minute in a somewhat unusual appearance.

The starters rolled, Gary Harris locked up Devin Booker, and three Nuggets recorded a new season-high as Denver kept the train rolling.

Let’s go to the grades.

Honor Roll

Paul Millsap – A

Everyone’s favorite Dad played one of his best games of the season on Sunday night, scoring a season-high 23 on the night—12 of them coming in the first seven-and-a-half minutes. It wasn’t the first time this season that Millsap’s provided the bulk of the scoring in an otherwise underwhelming quarter. Denver has looked to him time-and-time again in the absence of their preferred ball movement, and he manufactured those points on his own as the Nuggets viewed both Dario Saric and Frank Kaminsky III as a significant mismatch in his favor. Millsap took five threes on the night, hitting two of them from–surprise—the corner late in the fourth quarter, which has become one of the most desirable outcomes in all of basketball to start the season.

Will Barton III – A

Barton III wasn’t pleased with his himself in the first half. “I just felt like I didn’t bring the energy,” he told reporters after the game. “I’m not saying I didn’t necessarily play well, but I felt like I could have gave a better effort in the first half, especially on defense. So I just told the guys I was going to bring it in the third quarter.”

He brought it.

Barton III played all 12 minutes of the quarter, scoring 12 points on 4-of-8 from the field and grabbing three rebounds—one of which came on the offensive end where his head looked to clear the rim as he secured the board and went back up with it for two.

He finished with a season-high 22 points on 4-of-7 from three while adding eight rebounds and four assists.

The Class

Jamal Murray – B+

Murray was but a few more makes away from honor roll on Sunday night, finishing with 22 points of 9-of-21 shooting, including four makes on eleven attempts from deep. It wasn’t a particularly efficient night from Murray, but many of those eleven attempts from deep were the types of shots he should be taking. If he found himself open beyond the arc, he lit it fly.

He was hot early, scoring ten points in the first quarter and another seven in the second, though it didn’t amount to any inspiration for Denver. They trailed for most of his run, as he and Millsap kept the team alive while the others watched them work.

Mason Plumlee – B+

Plumlee was the third Nugget to set a new season-high tonight, scoring 14 points in his 15:40 on the floor. Plumlee scored six of those eight bench points in the first half, and scored six again in the fourth quarter as he and Monte Morris got rolling. It was almost an honor roll night for Plumlee, but he struggled at times to contain Diallo.

Monte Morris – B+

Morris’ contributions came when they mattered most. He scored all 10 of his points in the fourth quarter, during which he scored or assisted 18 points across eight possessions as the Nuggets blitzed the Suns and took a commanding lead.

Gary Harris – B-

Harris made just two field goals in thirty-five minutes of action on Sunday as his offensive woes continued. Fortunately, however, so did his success on the defensive end. Devin Booker, Harris’ primary assignment, scored just 12 points in a little over 33 minutes and turned the ball over five times. Harris was all over him, and his teammates made it clear he should be in early All-Defense consideration as he fielded questions after the gam

As Gary Harris answered a question regarding his strong defense this year a chorus of “first team” echoed throughout the Nuggets locker room.

“Stop being so cool about it, G,” added Jamal Murray.

— Brendan Vogt (@BrendanVogt) November 25, 2019

Malik Beasley – B-

Back from the dead—Malik Beasley made a surprise appearance in the second-half and made a good impression in his first real run since falling out of the rotation at the start of the month. In 10:31 on the court, Beasley hit two threes, grabbed two rebounds, and dished two assists. He also turned the ball over twice, but we can chalk that up to the proverbial rust.

Principal’s Office

Jerami Grant – D+

Grant scored just three points in his 21:15 on the court and failed to record an assist. Many envisioned a seamless transition for him after the move from Oklahoma City, but he’s still searching for his role as Malone plays musical chairs with the rotation. It’s been a sneaky rough start for Grant, punctuated by some pretty fun highlights.

Game Ball