Denver Nuggets Defend Home Court Without Nikola Jokić

The Magic Number is One

Jamal Murray – A

Murray opened up the game 4/4 from the field, wasting no time proving a point. He’s not a fan of how the team’s perceived without Jokić. He was out to change minds Sunday night. As the center of attention, getting to the rim wasn’t easy. Still, Murray was determined — he bumped and bruised his way to the paint, where his crafty layup package and deft footwork came in handy. He dished out eight assists, too, leading all players on the night.

There were a handful of forced attempts and ugly turnovers, but they hardly stacked up with the winning plays he factored into. Denver played good defense in the second half, notably Murray, whose multiple-effort mentality sealed the win. On the final possession, a loose rebound found Klay Thompson with time winding down and a chance to break hearts in Denver. NuggLife flashed before the eyes of the fans in Ball Arena, but the shot didn’t find the bottom of the net. The shot found Murray’s fingertips. He was there to finish what he had started.

Michael Porter Jr. – A+

Michael Porter Jr. learned his lesson in the Pelicans loss. He started cold from the field again Sunday but didn’t wake for his fortune to change. He got himself going by attacking the glass and committing to defense. This was arguably his best rebounding effort since the latest surgery. He got up, got physical, and got the Nuggets back on track after an early deficit.

He grabbed five rebounds in the second quarter, including two monster offensive boards off Murray’s misses. He shot 3/3 from deep in that period as well. All told, he dropped 14 points in an 8:24 stretch. He dropped another 13 in the third quarter and finished the game with solid defense in the fourth. He, too, demonstrated a multiple-effort mentality, doing his best to say attached to shooters through all the chaos of a typical Warriors possession. MPJ delivered.

Aaron Gordon – C+

After suiting up with the vets and youth against Phoenix, Gordon returned to battle with familiar faces in the starting lineup. It’s an interesting position for AG to find himself in. He scaled up against the Suns but had to scale back down Sunday. Of course, he had to stay somewhat aggressive, given Jokić’s absence.

Predictably, the results were a mixed bag. He took 18 shots, more than needed, especially given the number of ill-advised fadeaways. It’s a valuable skill now and then but a bad habit for AG. He was, however, active on the glass and in playmaking mode. Gordon racked up seven assists.

Jeff Green – B

Green played the game Denver needed from him in the spot start. He grabbed four rebounds, so you already know what energy he was bringing. Jeff getting four rebounds is like Mike getting 11 rebounds. I digress — he genuinely played well, including some great defense on the perimeter. He added three assists and one block for good measure.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – D+

Pope is now at the top of the ‘needs rest’ power rankings. He’s ice-cold from deep and not moving as well as he was to start the season. His three turnovers didn’t make things any easier out there, either.

Peyton Watson – A-

Watson logged another 20 minutes Sunday. Minutes well earned after his last game and minutes well played against the defending champions. He blocked three shots and was also dinged for a questionable goal-tending call. He played extraordinary defense, given his inexperience, injecting life into the arena and helping Denver grab a big win. He took the podium after the game, too. It was his moment. I’m sure he can’t wait for the next test.

Bruce Brown – B

Even Brown didn’t like the way he played in March. It was a rough stretch for him. But he’s pulled himself out of it by returning to his bread and butter. Brown’s got the motor of one thousand men — good things happen when he defends and attacks the rim like a man possessed. He’s played well lately.

Christian Braun – C+

Braun struggled from the field and bounced all over the rotation. He only played 16:04, but wouldn’t you know it — those minutes went well for Denver. Despite missing his shots, Braun rebounded and defended well.