Denver Nuggets Pick Up Where They Left Off

Better Offense Beats NBA’s Best Defense

Nikola Jokić – A-

Jokić was imperfect in Cleveland. The NBA’s most successful defense forced a handful of errors from the league’s best decision-maker, and early foul trouble turned him into a non-factor on defense for three quarters. This doesn’t paint a flattering picture, but we’re only poking holes in another dominant performance. Jokić posted another triple-double in a win, coming against a good opponent, on the road, and without Aaron Gordon. He cleared a high bar.

Cleveland presents a unique challenge in how much size they bring to the table, seemingly without compromising their ability to hurt you offensively. And indeed, they forced some miscalculations in the floater zone, an initially shocking concept given Jokić’s near-infallibility in that area. Still, the dust from the scrum eventually settled, and a familiar sight revealed itself — another Nuggets win, courtesy of 15.

We all love an athlete that can move mountains, but there’s a unique joy in watching Jokić navigate obstacles. He’s less interested in moving mountains than charting safe passage through them. There’s always an easier way, and he always finds it eventually. He’s playing a different game. Send the help at your own risk.

Michael Porter Jr. – A

Porter was among the very best players on the floor Thursday night. Jokić and Evan Mobley took turns ruining dreams, but Jamal Murray had some cobwebs to dust off, and AG wasn’t available. Someone had to step up for Denver, so MPJ kindly obliged. He led all Nuggets scorers with 25 points, pouring in six 3s on ten attempts. He picked up quickly on the desperation in the Cavs’ closeouts. He utilized the pump fake and blew past overzealous defenders early in the game. Eventually, he settled on taking and making the jumpers.

Ultimately, Porter’s performance stands out because he remained a big part of the offense for much of his time on the floor. It wasn’t the case of a quarter porter and quiet retreat. When Denver needed a bucket, Jokić knew precisely where the ball needed to go. It’s easy to reduce the concept of a two-man game to some pick-and-roll operation. Yet, these two can create buckets with few dribbles between them. While Jokić did the heavy lifting, Porter hammered the nails in Cleveland.

Jamal Murray – C+

Murray returned to action after missing multiple games with right knee soreness. Understandably, he didn’t light the world on fire in his return, but he played with a competitive fire nonetheless. He moved well and played as hard as anyone in the opening minutes. After missing a wild attempt near the rim, Murray sprang to his feet, crept up on Dean Wade, poked the ball free, and hit the deck to tap the loose ball to Michael Dunker Jr.

In some respects, he picked up where he left off. His nine assists to two turnovers are good work for any playmaker, and he kept firing from deep. Murray only hit three of his eleven shots from 3, but taking that many throws a wrench in any defensive game plan. His newfound approach of shooting early when open is yielding exciting results. Murray’s too good to leave open, no matter how many he’s missed.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – A

If you want to stop Jokić, you’re inevitably tempted to send help. But if you intend to force turnovers, you’ve got to change up from when and where the help comes. Eventually, either MPJ or KCP is going to be open. Either outcome is ideal for Denver. Pope literally didn’t miss a shot in Cleveland. He knocked down all four of his three-pointers. He was also the best defender in the starting lineup by a mile, earning himself that coveted DPOG chain.

Vlatko Čančar – C

Vlatko was in the wrong place at the wrong time. And no, I don’t mean he blew an assignment. He drew the worst one. Someone had to guard Evan Mobley, and “guard” is doing a lot of heavy lifting in this sentence. Mobley was just too big. When he wasn’t fighting for his life on defense, Vlatko fit in nicely with the starters on the other end. He knows what to do in these spot starts.

Reggie Jackson – C

The new-look, five-man bench unit struggled. This was predictable. If that group is to establish an identity, it will happen later. As we’ve learned watching our fair share of horrible bench lineups, this always reflects poorly on the point guard. The ball is in their hands while a lot of nothing happens.

But Reggie did do something in his Nuggets debut. He hit the only 3 for the second unit — a 3/4 court heave to end the third quarter and cut the lead to two.

Bruce Brown – D+

Thursday night was a night to forget for Bruce Brown. How he fits into the five-man lineup is something to keep an eye on down the stretch.

Jeff Green – C+

Green was the go-to guy for a remarkably uncreative offense. There was a lot of standing and watching to see if he could get a bucket. To his credit, he led Denver’s bench scorers with 11. He played fine, but the offense needs a shakeup.

Thomas Bryant – C

Bryant suffered most from the approach. Malone and his staff have to figure out how to get him involved. He shouldn’t be standing and watching with that group.