The Denver Nuggets Squash All Hope in Los Angeles

Nikola Jokić – A-

Anthony Davis scored 10 points in the first four minutes, and Nikola Jokić committed two quick fouls. But Michael Malone trusted Jokić to navigate the foul trouble and weather the early storm. It paid off. Jokić did most of his damage on the move from there, rolling downhill or darting to the rim with timely cuts. He worked hard to make his opponent work hard, all in the name of easier work during the game’s deciding moments. Davis looked exhausted again as Jokić blew past him in the final minutes. AD has played admirably for the Lakers, but he’s also looked out of gas when it matters most. That is not a coincidence. Jokić starts wars of attrition, knowing he’s better suited for them than given credit for.

After the game, Jokić fielded a question on fighting off complacency as defending champions. He recalled his answer from earlier in the season: “Winning is a lifestyle for us,” he said. “I was here when we were losing, so I don’t want to go back to that.”

Jamal Murray – B-

The Nuggets got off to a rough start, and Murray’s early turnover didn’t help. The Nuggets turned it over twice in the first two minutes, during which the Lakers opened up a 8-0 Fast Break points advantage. Turnovers and transition points were essentially the difference between the two teams in the first half. Murray contributed to that, but he also stablizied the offense with 11 points in the second quarter. He carried the scoring burden while the Nuggets buckled down on defense before halftime. He hit Los Angeles with an array of crafty mid-range shots. That was the beginning of the end for the Lakers.

Michael Porter Jr. – A

Porter Jr. has a propensity for starting strong before settling into a reduced role. In Game 3, he started slow, but this time, he demanded the ball in the fourth quarter and helped slam the door shut. He scored 10 points in those 12 minutes and grabbed four rebounds. He sank hope with repeated shots to the hull, one tough bucket after another. Lakers fans groaned as their team took on water. Everyone in the building knew what his scoring burst meant—11 straight losses to the Denver Nuggets and the possibility of consecutive sweeps.

Michael Porter Jr.'s shotmaking blew this game open.

He scored 10 points in the fourth quarter on a multitude of tough self-generated jumpers to turn an 8-point game into a 15-point lead. pic.twitter.com/hCVxPznhCz

— Matt Brooks (@MattBrooksNBA) April 26, 2024

Porter finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds, securing the 12th double-double of his playoff career. He also recorded three assists—each to the insatiable Aaron Gordon. After the game, Porter acknowledged the budding chemistry between Denver’s forwards.

Michael Porter Jr. on his chemistry with Aaron Gordon: pic.twitter.com/1CklMMXiuO

— Brendan Vogt (@BrendanVogt) April 26, 2024

Aaron Gordon – A+

Gordon was the best player on the floor in Game 3. No one played harder, and no one was more effective. He led the Nuggets with 29 points and 15 rebounds, both playoff career highs, and all 12 field goals were made in the restricted area. They were all layups or dunks. He dunked six times in the win—another career-high in the playoffs. LeBron James and Rui Hachimura watched while Gordon feasted. One could argue it was the best game of his career.

Gordon’s confidence looked to be at an all-time high as he set the tone. It’s not often he gets to lead the Nuggets in scoring. He liquified his fringe all-star skill set long ago, opting instead to fill in the cracks of a nearly flawless starting lineup. He’s become the best version of himself as an elite role player, but Gordon got to play the lead in Los Angeles. He was the star of the show.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – B-

Pope only scored five points for the Nuggets. That’s typically subotimal, but in this case, it was icing on the cake considering D’Angelo Russell finished scoreless. KCP worked hard not to let him get hot early. Russell fired away confidently, but Pope was in his breathing space. After growing cold, Russell began missing open looks. It was like the oppossite of his performance in Game 2.

Christian Braun – C+

Braun fell asleep on defense on one glaring occasion, which is uncharacteristic. And he didn’t make a significant contribution to the rebounding battle. But he and Watson were good in their minutes to start the fourth quarter alongside Murray, MPJ, and Gordon. Braun scored during that stint, and Denver kept the lead at double-digits before Jokić returned. That all but sealed it.

Peyton Watson – C+

Watson flashed his defensive prowess with impressive blocks. He played with great energy, and Denver played well with him on the floor. He doesn’t have much to show for it in the box score, but Watson lent a helping hand to some vital work in Game 3. The bench, obviously an area of concern heading into the playoffs, has yet to become a major concern in round one.

Justin Holiday – D

Holiday missed three shots badly and for different reasons, rushing and hesitating on different occasions.

Reggie Jackson – Injured

Jackson sprained his left ankle and did not return.