Denver Nuggets Fumble Big Lead In Part II With Kings

Nikola Jokić – A+

Jokić had no problem generating offense alongside a misshapen starting unit. Significant absences required an aggressive approach, and he obliged with a 40-piece. He did miss a potential game-winner that drew contact but no whistle and rimmed out. It’s a shot we’re used to him making and one that would have drastically changed the tone of the immediate reaction. Alas, he missed, no call, so out come the proverbial microscopes.

Had it fallen, we might praise his patience in the two-man game with young Bones Hyland. We could spend more time talking about how hard Jokić played in the first half, sprinting the floor and making life hell for Domantas Sabonis. Jokić turned in a strong performance as a player and leader Wednesday night. But it all happened in a losing effort.

Michael Porter Jr. – B-

MPJ played a significant role in the initial lead that Denver eventually squandered. He had his role in that as well. It started with a Porter Quarter — 13 points on 5 of 5 shooting to open the game. He was locked in and ready to build on his A+ outing in the same arena.

Those familiar with Porter’s tenure in Denver know the end of a Porter quarter is a turning point of sorts in a game. He’s prone to fading into the background after short spurts of domination. At this point, it seems to be a healthy mixture of his streakiness and a minor failure of the offensive minds on the staff. Regardless of where the blame lies, that’s what occurred Wednesday.

Porter forced the issue with about ten minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, driving into the teeth of the defense. He fell awkwardly, got up slowly, and walked gingerly up the court. He stayed in the game, but his defense fell off the cliff. He was a blatant negative on that end when it mattered most.

Bones Hyland – B–

We can all agree the defense was hopeless. It’s a legitimate problem for Bones early in his career. Still, he wasn’t the only culprit in a Nuggets uniform, and I think he played impressively as the starting point guard. Bones took some heat online after clutch time looked markedly different from what we’re used to seeing with Jamal Murray at the helm. But Hyland appeared to be following instructions for that crucial stretch. The teams were trading buckets, and Hyland ate time, dribbling the clock down only to prioritize Jokić’s involvement in late-blooming possessions.

It almost worked. After all, the ball was in the best player’s hands with a chance to win the game. Many of us would have signed up for that long before tip-off. Hyland played an imperfect game, but he also posted 20 points, 11 assists, and only one turnover. That’s progress at the end of a month to forget.

KCP – C

KCP didn’t play a great game and nearly fouled out before all was said and done. However, the topic of fouls is sure to conjure memories of his involvement in Denver’s final defensive possession.

hm. pic.twitter.com/tBcR0Y8J1t

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) December 29, 2022

One might argue the above clip features a hook and clean block. That is not how it was called. Alas, Denver had chances to win this game outright. Never leave the result in the hands of officials.

Zeke Nnaji – B-

Nnaji showed significant improvement over his first attempt at a start in Sacramento. He stayed on the floor, and his off-ball movement opened up some easy looks at the rim. His high work rate earned him 14 efficient points.

Christian Braun – B-

Braun showed some testicular fortitude in this one. He met Malik Monk near the rim for an impressive block and later threw down an audacious dunk to tie the game with 40 seconds left. That was probably his most confident showing on offense to date.

This Christian Braun poster dunk in the final minute was crazy pic.twitter.com/OEmG5vcuLX

— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) December 29, 2022

DeAndre Jordan – C-

At least Jordan was able to rebound this time. But he couldn’t catch a pass or finish a dunk cleanly. It’s tough to watch.

Vlatko Čančar – C+

Vlatko played the role of a shooting specialist Wednesday night. He shot 3 of 4 from deep, his lone miss coming on a halfcourt heave that he nearly hit. That, Nuggets fans know, is a real skill of his. He came up just short this time.

Ish Smith – C+

Ish logged double-digit minutes, and those minutes went well for Denver. He’s so speedy, dribbling full circles in the halfcourt while probing for weaknesses. He recorded five assists in 14:35 off the bench.