Grades: Another Triple-Double For Jokić, Another Nuggets Win

Nikola Jokić – A+

In truth, virtually every Nuggets fan felt worse about the game when they saw Golden State’s injury report. We know how these games go. We know the human element creeps in. But Nikola Jokić clogged the drain and prevented any spiral with a 32-15-13 triple-double, his second in under 24 hours. He was a space octopus on the glass, and a force down low, collecting buckets or earning trips to the free-throw line with relative ease. The shorthanded Warriors played a great game and didn’t make it easy for Denver, but they had no answer for Jokić.

Aaron Gordon – C

Weird game for Aaron Gordon, who did some things well but got torched by Moses Moody but did a good job attacking the rim, though he shot more free throws than field goals but didn’t grab a single rebound and also logged five assists. What’s the rubric say on that? A C? I guess?

Austin Rivers – A-

Rivers is a good NBA player. It’s kind of insane to think how many quality or even lacking in quality teams took a hard pass on his services. That’s a win for Denver, who plays him in various roles while paying him the league minimum.

Jeff Green – A-

Green was good offensively and bad defensively—right up until he made the play of the game. Green’s heroic, chase-down block in the fourth quarter was essential to the win and evoked images of his former teammate, LeBron James.

Monte Morris – A-

Morris went Full Monte with seven assists to zero turnovers, and don’t overlook his scoring contribution either. Eighteen points on 11 shots for Mr. Nugget.

Bones Hyland & JaMychal Green – Left Game

Both of these guys have been on a roll, and both left the game early after apparent injuries. Hyland displayed good floor vision before the exit, though he didn’t help defensively. Despite the above praise for Green across a longer timeline, he wasn’t playing his best basketball Monday night. The bench left room for improvement. Hopefully, both guys are ok.

Davon Reed – A-

Mr. Dependable played the hero for the bench, scoring 17 points on 5 of 7 shooting from deep. Reed is a legitimate three-point threat. As for his place in the rotation, he’s ineligible for the playoffs on his current contract, which helps explain Malone’s commitment to a rotation that excludes him down the stretch. He will factor into someone’s rotation next season. Hopefully, it’s Denver’s.

DeMarcus Cousins – B-

Cousins played a decent game, but between Green’s relative struggles, the second unit’s poor transition defense, and Hyland’s early exit as well, the bench was lacking that punch they’ve provided of late. Cousins got 13 points on the board thanks to an aggressive approach that earned him so free ones and helped put Denver in the bonus.

Bryn Forbes – F

Forbes didn’t hit anything from the field, and he only shot twice. In fact, outside of two free throws, the only stats he recorded in 13:31 on the floor were a steal and a turnover. Weird game from Bryn, but all is well that ends well.

Facundo Campazzo – F

Facu played less than six minutes in the second half after Bones couldn’t go. He bricked his threes, then missed both free throws after a steal and clear path foul.