DNVR Player Grades: 'Kobe and Shaq' — Will Barton III and Nikola Jokić lead Nuggets to victory

It’s easy to forget that, save for Gary Harris, Will Barton III has spent as much time alongside Nikola Jokić as any Denver Nugget. It was Barton who sat next to Jokić at the start of last season, having both just signed extensions with the team, and joked to the media that they were Denver’s version of Kobe and Shaq.

In Atlanta on Monday night, on Barton III’s 29th birthday, the two lived up to the self-ascribed moniker as Barton III balled out, and Jokić became the first center to score 47 or more on the road since, well, Shaq. The two were the only starters who brought their A-game and led the Nuggets to a 123-115 win on the road.

Jokić brought a demeanor and approach to this game that we seldom associate with the comedically inclined, and infamously passive Serbian. He looked something short of angry—we’ll call it determined—as he went to work almost immediately on the block, establishing his inside scoring early. In the first 10:36, Jokić dropped 18 points on nine shots. He was as dominant a scorer as he’s ever been, setting a new career-high.

Let’s go to the grades:

Honor Roll

Nikola Jokić – A+

Jokić dropped 47 points, doing it all on just 25 shot attempts. In doing so, he became only the third player in NBA history to score that many points without turning the ball over once. He finished the game 4-of-8 from three-point range and settled for some jumpers in the second half, but for the most part, we saw a version of Jokić many have hoped to see more often. He dominated inside, and his aggression converted into free throw attempts—16 to be exact—continuing a budding mini-trend over his last few games.

We’re used to seeing Jokić feel out the defense in the first quarter—six points, six boards, and six assists, or something of the like. We’re not used to seeing him get nine shots up and go to line five times in his first ten minutes. He didn’t wait to see if the offense had it tonight. He didn’t wait to see if the Nuggets would play the right way, or to what extent he’d be needed as a scorer. He brought it to the Hawks early, and thank goodness he did. Denver couldn’t stop Atlanta’s starters. It was Jokić, Barton III, and the bench that kept their heads above water.

Will Barton III – A

When in Atlanta for one’s birthday, one has found a virtual lock for a good time—especially if they’re an NBA player. Barton III made the most of his birthday trip, mixing business with pleasure by dropping 29 points and having as much fun on the court as anyone. He was one of four Nuggets to break double figures, three starters to do so, and two to break 20 points. He was Denver’s second-best player, as he’s been for much of the season, and he had the highlight of the night with an alley-oop slam on the fast break.

Look at the joy:

The Class

Monte Morris – B+

It’s been a rocky season for Morris, who built a reputation as a high floor ultra-consistent backup in 2018-19. The second unit as a whole has struggled all season, but they cleaned up the starters’ mess in Atlanta. Morris scored 14 points in 19 minutes on the floor, and in an exercise of brand awareness, did not turn the ball over once. He has flirted with turning the corner since the start of December. A complete return to form would be a welcome sight for Denver.

Michael Porter Jr. – B+

Porter Jr.’s performance was particularly encouraging as he took just three shots but still made a winning impact. We’ve seen now what MPJ can do on offense when he’s found a rhythm, but since the start of training camp, he’s maintained a holistic approach to his game. As he navigates his ever-changing role on the team, he’s sought to forge a baseline out of strong rebounding and a commitment to improving on the defensive end. He understands that his height and length are among his greatest gifts, and that was on display as he turned in perhaps the best defensive game of his nascent career.

Jamal Murray – B

It was a quiet night for Murray, who finished with only 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting. He didn’t make a significant impact on either side of the ball, but played the point guard position with steady hands, recording eight assists and only turning the ball over once. The turnover came on a botched entry pass to Jokić, but for the most part, Murray did an excellent job of feeding the hot hand and staying patient. He finished +9 — the highest mark of any starter.

Principal’s Office

Gary Harris – D

Harris struggles with the Trae Young matchup, and struggled to an even greater extent on the offensive end on Monday night. In 36 minutes, Harris scored four points on 2-of-12 from the floor.

Paul Millsap – D

Millsap represents a certain elephant in the room right now. Ever since injuring his quad, he’s either missed time or struggled when available, and the defense is plummeting without its anchor. Offensively, Rhythm is particularly important to Millsap, as it is for many NBA players, and I’d wager he’d tell you he’s still searching for his as he navigates the injury. He needs time to get healthy and back into rhythm, but the Nuggets are sorely missing his early-season production.