Denver Nuggets Defeat Old Friends From Washington

Nikola Jokić – A+

Jokić became the first player in NBA history to record at least 43 points, 14 rebounds, 8 assists, and 5 steals, per Nuggets PR. He did it while shooting 17/20 from the field, with only one miss from two-point range—a blocked shot that he rebounded and put back, plus the foul. As for the other two, one came on a full-court heave that nearly fell.

It was nearly flawless, and just about effortless. It wasn’t lazy work for Jokić, it was simply light work facing so little resistance inside. The Wizards, without Kristaps Porziņģis, opted not to send furious double teams at Jokić. They either sent late, tepid help, or abandoned the proposition altogether in hopes of winning out through the math game.

You might’ve noticed, the Nuggets only made four threes on the night. They only even attempted 16 while Washington let it fly. It might’ve worked if Jokić was any less efficient, but he looked like the great, and potentially mythical Wilt Chamberlain out there. It was too easy to believe. Look at this shot chart:

It was a night of firsts for Big Honey, who also became the first-ever recipient of the Michael Jordan MVP award after the game.

Jamal Murray – D

Where did Jamal wander off to Wednesday night? Literally, he was, in fact, on the court. But I wouldn’t call him present. Despite riding some highs of late, Murray looked dejected while the team cruised to 141 points in regulation. It wasn’t that he missed a bunch shots. He only even took six on the night. But it felt as though we were watching a player watching himself go through the motions. Ultimately, it’s no harm, no foul if he can snap out of it against the Lakers.

Aaron Gordon – A-

Gordon saw what Jokić was putting down and picked it right up. Washington had no answer for Denver’s size, and neither Jokić nor AG let them off the hook. All eight of AG’s made field goals came at or near the rim, and Denver scored an unbelievable 98 points in the paint. It wasn’t just AG’s scoring either; he flashed some smooth, timely post-entry passes as well, putting Jokić in an advantageous position.

The best way to view AG is as a potential matchup nightmare. He exists between positions in a beneficial way. Only a few teams have an optimal defender for him on the roster, especially when playing against a full-strength Denver team. Gordon is playing with a thorough understanding of what makes him so valuable.

KCP – B-

KCP missed both threes he took and smoked a couple of layups. He ultimately played well but watching him, and Murray combine for just 16 points was tough. Denver’s old backcourt, Monte Morris and Will Barton, each cleared that point total themselves. Some old friends balled out in Ball Arena once more.

Bruce Brown – B-

It’s rare to get through KCP and Bruce Brown’s grades without spending some time on the defense. But as Michael Malone said after the game, there was no defense played Wednesday night. Instead, Brown’s contributions came in a contained role on offense. He shot just six times and knocked five of them down. He recorded four assists as the tertiary ball handler and, this time, limited himself to just one turnover. It was a welcome B- performance from The Boss.

Bones Hyland – A

Bones’ association with some dreadful bench lineups is an unfortunate factor in our evaluation of his campaign. He’s gone up and down, as has the bench. But one encouraging takeaway is his emerging two-man game with Jokić. When he can benefit from that intense gravity, he gets to the rim at will. He’ll earn the MVP’s full trust if he continues to find him on the roll. That’s the path to a significant leap in Denver.

Christian Braun – C+

Braun was again the first player off the bench, checking in for Murray. Denver lost their bench minutes against a depleted roster—Thrill was feeling it with WAS’s second unit—but Braun had a moment. While it wasn’t quite a poster, the rook got a highlight off with a drive and dunk that brought the bench to its feet. I even checked the press box to see if Harrison Wind was cheering. No dice.

Jeff Green – B

Speaking of highlights, Jeff Green added another nephew to his family tree. Daniel Gafford, you are now related to the dunking uncle. Green actually grabbed five (count ’em) rebounds, which I assume is a career-high. I refuse to check. Let’s call it a career-high*.

*I caved and checked. It’s 15 rebounds. Fifteen! And he’s done it twice!

DAJ – D

From the department of predictable developments:

DAJ played a game that seemed to call for Zeke Nnaji. He struggled, yet Denver survived.