Denver Nuggets Fumble Historic Opportunity in Houston

Nikola Jokić – D

The Denver Nuggets turned in an unserious effort against the Rockets. It started up top with the return of the 2x MVP, who took the game seriously for only a handful of possessions before gearing down. Jokić scored only 14 points and doubled his four assists with eight turnovers. Despite logging multiple blocks and steals, he also showed indifference on defense. He couldn’t be bothered, and most of his teammates followed suit. He logged only three minutes in the fourth before Malone pulled the plug on the starters. He turned it over three times in that span. Jokić often preaches respect for the game and is wary of the basketball gods’ omniscience. They’re “always watching,” he says. That applies to everyone, including him. It should apply to performances like this as well.

Michael Porter Jr. – C+

Porter got 15 3’s up in Houston and knocked down six. It’s a respectable percentage, but he missed some wide-open and consequential looks as Denver tried to separate. Porter looked almost too relaxed, sometimes simply going through the motions. He rebounded well and led Denver in scoring thanks to his shooting, but his performance was lacking. There’s a determination and focus to his game that’s popped in his best performances. It was absent in Houston.

Aaron Gordon – C+

Gordon was at least active in Houston. He rebounded well, blocked four shots, and stayed in playmaking mode. The hustle was there. He did miss three free throws, though. Houston did an excellent job of keeping bodies between him and the rim.

Jamal Murray – Left Early

Murray exited the game after 9:28 on the floor. He appeared to reaggregate his thumb sprain and did not return.

Kentavious Caldwell Pope – D+

Pope looks like a different player from the nearly flawless one we saw at the start of the season. He looks tired. He’s not shooting well, and, worst of all, turnovers are creeping into his game. Fatigue is understandable, and cold streaks are inevitable. The most salient criticism would be to focus on his pressing. Misses are suboptimal. Turnovers are untenable. Follow the blueprint that’s worked all season.

Bruce Brown – C+

Brown took Murray’s place, and the offense took a step back. That’s not putting the blame squarely on his shoulders. He joined a starting unit that didn’t have the juice. Brown at least contained himself to six shots and poured his energy into defense. He racked up three blocks and three steals. That’s the preferable distribution of his focus, but we know now subbing Brown in for Murray isn’t the seamless adjustment we once hoped. He’s a limited point guard.

Jeff Green – B-

A select few off the bench played with respect for the opportunity at hand. One of them is Jeff Green. He rebounded well, kept the ball moving, and got himself to the free-throw line.

Christian Braun – B-

Braun logged some time alongside Brown and Watson. They were a terror defensively and ready to run. Braun was on the floor for some of Denver’s best minutes.

Peyton Watson – B

Watson played an excellent first half. He engineered stops alongside fellow Booth Boys and converted on the other end. The bench lost a step without Murray on the floor, and Watson’s production dropped off as the rotation fell to shambles. Still, he flashed his potential again. The rookie is having a moment.