Grades: Denver Nuggets dominate Milwaukee Bucks on the road

The Denver Nuggets were handed a scheduled loss to the Milwaukee Bucks Tuesday night. At least, that’s how it looked on paper. Down four rotation players and on the second half of a road back-to-back, expectations were low. That’s why you play the games. Nikola Jokić led the way with a 37-point triple-double en route to a 128-97 blowout.

The stars were transcendent, Will Barton III bounced back, and Vlatko Cancar had his moment in the sun.

To the grades:

Nikola Jokić – A+

Nikola Jokić recorded his first-ever triple-double on February 3, 2017. His opponent? The Milwaukee Bucks. Roughly four years later, he’s recorded the 50th triple-double of his career, this time in Milwaukee, tying Wilt Chamberlain for the most triple-doubles by any center in NBA history. Somewhere between those two accomplishments, he set the NBA record for the fastest triple-double ever recorded. Anyone want to guess where? That’s right. Milwaukee.

Jokić owns the Bucks, and never was that more apparent than his 37-point beat down Tuesday night. He shot 15/23 from the floor, 2/3 from deep, and 5/5 from the line. Four of his ten rebounds came on the offensive end, and he only turned it over twice to his eleven assists. He barely broke a sweat.

Jamal Murray – A

Murray is in some groove. He finished with 24 points and 6 assists on 10/17 shooting. It’s technically a down night from the otherworldly tear Murray’s enjoying — only 1/5 from deep — but he was in full control and finished some shots with ludicrous degrees of difficulty. Murray’s in a different place physically than he was a month ago. Whether that’s injuries subsiding or improved conditioning, he looks both twitchy and robust out there.

Michael Porter Jr. – B

The Nuggets did not require much from Porter, who starred in a modest role Tuesday night. He only shot nine times, but six of those attempts were from deep, and three of those attempts were money. He also corralled seven rebounds. Early foul trouble limited him to some extent — he drew the Giannis Antetokounmpo assignment and picked up two fouls almost immediately. Denver switched to a zone for a prolonged stretch and got Porter out of the line of fire. He collected himself and went on to play winning basketball.

Will Barton III – B+

Up and down we go. Barton responded to a poor showing with a great showing, which he then responded to with another poor showing, only to respond with another great showing Tuesday night. You still with me? He finished with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists on 6/11 shooting. He went hunting for his shot on more than one occasion, but Tuesday night, he knocked them down.

Monte Morris – B-

Morris is still searching for his jump shot since returning from a brief absence due to injury. He still found a way to score ten efficient points, however, in some part thanks to the give-and-go with Jokić. Perhaps only Murray has the edge on Morris in this regard. The two guards are experts at spotting a lane to the rim and trusting Jokić to find them regardless of the passing window. Morris did turn it over twice but finished with 10 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.

Vlatko Cancar – B+

The Nuggets couldn’t run the zone the entire game, but they also couldn’t go back to the MPJ – Giannis matchup. Enter Vlatko Cancar, who sincerely did a great job containing the former MVP. Cancar rose to the challenge defensively, grabbed seven rebounds, and even unleashed a Campazzo-Esque bounce pass to Nnaji in transition. It was Cancar’s moment in the sun and no one’s complaining. The vibes are immaculate.

PJ Dozier – B-

Dozier finished with 19 points, but did a good deal of damage with the game well in hand in the final frame. I still thought a certain recklessness defined his approach. Dozier will play an important role for this team before it’s all said and done. He must embrace his contained role offensively and put a lid on his zeal. His situational awareness leaves plenty to be desired at the moment.

Zeke Nnaji – C+

Nnaji was called for a travel, but otherwise played a low-mistake game. He finished with six points on 3/4 shooting, and four rebounds including two on the offensive end.

Isaiah Hartenstein – D

Hartenstein finished with two combined points, rebounds, and assists in 11:36 of playing time. He was called for four personal fouls.

Greg Whittington | Bol Bol – Played

The human victory cigars took the court together for about two minutes. Bol drained a three.