DNVR Player Grades: Denver Nuggets @ Portland Trail Blazers

The Denver Nuggets rang in the new basketball year with a win over the Trail Blazers in Portland, snapping Rip City’s 18-game winning streak at home in a season opener.

Several of Denver’s stars struggled, the first half was a complete wash, and Jokic only logged 23 minutes on the court, but it was enough for a redemptive win to set the tone.

Let’s hand out some report cards:

Honor Roll

Nikola Jokić – A-

Nikola Jokić played one of the worst halves of his career to start the 2018-19 campaign, picking up 3 fouls in less than five minutes, and failing to make a positive impact in his limited time on the court. I had him down for a D- at half-time, but Jokić rescued his grade and sealed a win for his team with a second-half performance that was more suitable for an MVP candidate. ‘Big Honey’ dominated, finishing the game with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and two assists in just 23 minutes. Two of his three makes from deep came in the fourth, propelling Denver to a 1-0 start.

Torrey Craig – A-

Torrey Craig lost the starting spot he earned improbably last season, but he didn’t lose his relentlessness. We saw the hustle and enthusiasm that will define Craig’s basketball career in Portland Wednesday night, and we also saw a glimpse of improvement in the area he needs it most. Craig was 4-for-6 from the floor, and 2-for-3 from deep in 16 minutes, showing touch and confidence in his jumper. On a night during which many fans were clamoring for Michael Porter Jr., Craig gave them little to complain about. This grade comes on a slight curve, meant to reflect his value in limited minutes and a reduced role. 

The Class

Will Barton – B 

Will Barton might be under more pressure than any player on Denver’s roster that isn’t named Jamal Murray. After a devastating core injury turned his season sideways in 2018-19, Barton lost both his starting job and the foundation of his game—confidence. But the former was returned in the season opener by Michael Malone, and the latter seemingly restored. ‘Thrill’ finished with 19 points on just eight shots while collecting five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block. Barton hit two threes early to get himself going but was most impressive in his ability to get to the line. He knocked down 11 of his game-high 12 free throw attempts, while no other Nugget took more than four.

Paul Millsap – B-

Paul Millsap scored just 11 points in 31 minutes, but 13 seasons and one game into Millsap’s career, we’ve learned his value isn’t always reflected in the box score. Millsap sealed the cracks in the victory by earning his keep on the defensive end and knocking down three of his four attempts from deep—all of them coming when Denver needed a bucket to slow Portland’s momentum. Millsap was quiet, but he was effective. 

What else is new?

Jamal Murray – C-

Jamal Murray’s unfortunate trend of starting seasons slow looks strong through one game. Murray hit three of his six attempts from deep, but he was just 4-for-14 (28.6%) from the floor overall as he struggled to find easy looks. It wasn’t all discouraging, however, as Murray managed to contribute to the win despite not feeling it as a scorer—something he’s struggled with in the past. He collected five rebounds and six assists while turning the ball over just twice in 35 minutes. He held his own defensively and did a good job recognizing that Jokić had the hot hand, and getting him the ball in advantageous positions down the stretch. Nonetheless, Murray was handed a maximum extension over the summer for his ability to put the ball through the hoop—28% isn’t good enough.

Principal’s office

Harris – D+

Gary Harris’ consistency was the x-factor in Denver’s continued improvement and late playoff push two seasons ago. The player that took the court in Portland was hard to recognize. Harris looked disjointed, rushed, and rusty, botching easy passes hitting only three of his 11 attempts from the floor. He wasn’t at his best defensively either, which is an admittedly high bar, but the expectations are high for both Harris and the Nuggets this year. There’s no reason to worry about Harris, it’s game one, but there’s no need to sugar coat it either—he was Denver’s worst player.

Game Ball