Denver Nuggets Reach New Heights With Wolves In Town

Nikola Jokić – A+

The Wolves know how they want to guard Jokić. Much like the Gobert-featured Jazz teams of the past and the more recent loss to the 76ers, the Wolves deployed Naz Reid, their starting power forward, to guard Jokić. That left Gobert with the Aaron Gordon assignment, in a better position to wreak havoc help side. Jokić opened the game in attack mode, scoring 7 points on 3-3 shooting in his first 5 minutes. He did not have to finish the game in attack mode. The ball popped, the cuts were unleashed, and MPJ entered the zone. Jokić settled back into his preferred approach, flexing his playmaking genius and spearheading the most prolific passing performance of the NBA season. Denver finished with 44 assists.

Jokić posted the fourth-fastest triple-double in the history of the NBA, which is only the second-fastest triple-double of his career. Remember, he holds the record. The Nuggets led by 30 after the first quarter, the highest point differential of any quarter in team history.

Michael Porter Jr. – A+

Michael Porter Jr. was the best scorer on the floor, bar none, Tuesday night. His three-point shot was on the mark, but it was merely a feature of his success, not the fundamental basis. Malone praised his patience with the ball and his ability to score off Jokić. MPJ succeeded with a floater near the rim for the second game in a row. He admitted it’s a shot he’s working on as he seeks ways to score between the perimeter and the basket. He’s got size, and he’s got the touch. It’s a notable development if he folds it neatly into his arsenal.

Porter didn’t just score well; he also defended well and kept the ball moving. He scored 30 points and led all players in field goal attempts, yet it was lethally efficient. It all occurred within the flow of an offense going thermonuclear. He finished the game +43 in 28:40.

Aaron Gordon – A

Minnesota’s assignments presented an opportunity for Gordon. Teams will try this approach, and it’s up to him to salvage utility while the defense attempts to relegate him to a shooter. He knocked down two of his three attempts from a distance, but he got creative in utilizing all the space. Early in the game, Jokić found AG wide-open on the wing. He considered the three just long enough to draw Gobert out, then fired a laser to Jokić for an easy two over the mismatch. The MVP’s game is rubbing off on AG. Gordon also moved well off-ball. As Jokić moved and Gobert’s attention shifted, he snuck into valuable real estate and waited for 15 to find him. He’s like a big cat lurking, waiting, pouncing. Gordon finished with eight assists to complement his 24 points on 8 of 11 shooting and four steals.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – B

Keep it simple. Play defense, run in transition, stay shot-ready and reap the rewards. It’s the KCP way.

Bruce Brown – B-

Brown left the game early after rolling an ankle, but he ultimately returned. He drained his first look back on the floor, his lone three of the night. His initial exit threw the rotation for a loop, but he ultimately logged some minutes with the bench as he typically does.

Ish Smith – B-

Ish was frustrated after the game with his four turnovers, but his coach and teammates had a different perspective on his contributions. Malone awarded him the coveted DPOG chain and praised his seven assists when speaking to the media. MPJ said he loves playing with him — a pass-first guard who naturally understands where Porter wants the ball.

Christian Braun – B

Booth’s boys had a night. Braun followed his blueprint to production, as he’s done with virtually every opportunity this season. After the game, MPJ said the team’s identity is to defend, rebound, and run. Braun fits it like a glove. That’s all he knows.

Vlatko Čančar – B+

Vlatko played an excellent game. He shot well, rebounded well, kept the ball popping, and defended hard through his final seconds on the court.

Peyton Watson & Jack White – Garbage Time Heroes

The two rookies combined for 12 points on 5 of 8 shooting in the game’s final minutes. What a treat.