Grades: Denver Nuggets Embarrassed in Game Two

Nikola Jokić – B-

The calls aren’t coming through two, and Jokić isn’t dominating Draymond Green the way Denver needs him to. There should be better options than one-on-one with one of the best defenders of all time, but it’s Denver’s best shot, and Jokić hasn’t figured it out yet. They might not win even if they do, and, of course, he doesn’t have enough help, but we can start there. Green is winning this matchup.

Jokić is getting clobbered. Green is physical and the beneficiary of an established reputation as a fantastic defender. He gets away with a lot, and it’s getting into Jokić’s head. In game two, the frustration boiled over, and Jokić earned an early ejection. Many can understand, but we shouldn’t excuse the behavior. He’s got to go down with his ship. He’s got to stand there and take the lumps with his guys. They deserve that, even if he, too, deserves better.

The criticism is called for, but so is a benefit of the doubt for a man who has learned from virtually every lesson basketball throws his way. Consider it room for growth.

Aaron Gordon – F

For the second playoffs in a row, Gordon looks completely overwhelmed. The Warriors are begging him to shoot the ball, and he’s failing to provide value elsewhere. Even considering the injuries and adjusted role, he’s still drowning. He’s got pride on the line as the series returns to Denver.

Will Barton – D+

After a nice start offensively, Barton fizzled out from the field, finished with more turnovers than assists, and got into with a teammate heading back to the sideline after a Golden State timeout. The defense remains porous.

Monte Morris – C-

Morris enjoyed more success from the field than his teammates and probably should have spent more time with the ball. A couple of quick fouls limited his time on the floor in the first half, and he only finished with three assists while turning it over twice. Denver needs him out there and in attack mode. It makes Jokić’s life easier when he’s aggressive. After the game, Morris didn’t hold back, calling it “embarrassing” and saying the series will be “be over quick” if Denver can’t figure it out.

Jeff Green – D+

If you can believe it, Green played 22:52 in game two. You might not have noticed him, but he was out there. It might be time to start Austin Rivers in place of Jeff or lean on that lineup more. This would allow AG to move to PF, where he experienced some success in this matchup during the regular season.

Bones Hyland – C-

After quick foul trouble, Hyland stepped in for Morris and didn’t make a dent. He played again in the third when Denver got crushed, and he stayed aggressive despite the game’s tone. He scored nine in the quarter, thanks to six free throws. He didn’t play a great game, but I appreciated him digging in.

Austin Rivers – D+

Rivers did not exactly stymie Steph in game two. Curry dropped 34 off the bench, and Rivers’ minutes did not go well. He’s still Denver’s best option for perimeter defense, which is still a terrible sign for a playoff team.

DeMarcus Cousins – B-

The Cousins minutes went well for Denver this time. He was effective and active as the Nuggets temporarily extended a lead with Jokić on the bench in the second quarter. But Malone stuck with the group too long, and the starters sputtered when Jokić re-took the floor. Then came the run from GS’s death lineup.