Grades: Denver Nuggets Run Lakers Out of Ball Arena

Nikola Jokić – A

Jokić needed only to apply pressure for a select and timely duration. Dwight Howard found himself in early foul trouble, and Jokić flipped a switch when he recognized the opportunity. He went right at Howard, forcing fouls and cooking overzealous defense. He took Howard out of the game, then shifted down from attack mode to opportunist. It took him only 28:10 on the floor to record 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists. The best player in the matchup was in total control, but he also wasn’t the story for Denver. Jokić and the starters rode 57 bench points to an easy win and complete game — both rarities these days for the Nuggets.

Aaron Gordon – C+

Gordon did not look up for the challenge in the first half, but he picked it up out of halftime and gave us the lasting image from the night. Westbrook tried to back him down, got stonewalled, and threw a fit. Gordon was less than amused.

Caption this: pic.twitter.com/KtojJ5XwGq

— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) January 16, 2022

Jeff Green – A

Green played one of his best games as Nugget in more ways than one. Yes, he kept dunking. Of course, he kept dunking. But he also shot 4 of 5 from deep and contributed to the stifling of LeBron James. There were some off-ball hiccups, but I need not pick these nits. Green finished with 26 points, which would have led all Lakers, and almost led all players, but an affable rookie stole the show.

Will Barton – B

Barton took the fewest shots of any Denver starter, scoring 12 points on 4 of 5 shooting. He only logged 22:33 of playing time. There’s no better result for this team than a big win in which Barton, Jokić, and Gordon find some rest.

Monte Morris – C

Morris would get a down arrow from me in a rolling game of ‘stonks,’ or ‘Up or Down’ or whatever we call it on The DNBA Show. He’s in a mini-slump right now, but all is well that ends well. And boy, did this one end well.

Bones Hyland – A+

Bones torched the Los Angeles Lakers. He set a new career-high with 27 points, and this performance comprised more than just three-point shotmaking. While he did set a new career-high with six 3s, he also set a new career-high with ten rebounds and got back to playing downhill. He looked agile and confident and led the bench in a certified ass-whooping. The Nuggets remain undefeated when he scores ten or more points. The bench is the key to sustained success, and Bones is key to theirs.

Zeke Nnaji – B

Nnaji didn’t shoot well, but he took advantage of his size against a Lakers second-unit that lacked their own. He finished with 11 rebounds, and it was clear he prioritized a good effort on the glass.

Davon Reed – A+

Davon Reed made life hell for LeBron James.

Here is a cut of all of Davon Reed's stops on LeBron James tonight. Such a fun defender, not scared of any challenge pic.twitter.com/9xkxSSzKQR

— CJ (@CJenkins_Wx) January 16, 2022

After the game, Reed told the media he’d been waiting a long time for that moment, citing a less successful effort against James in Reed’s rookie season. “It was ugly,” Reed said. It all came full circle as James came crashing to the floor, unable to turn the corner on Denver’s Two-Way signee. Over in the other locker room, James declined to speak with the media.

Facundo Campazzo – B-

Campazzo managed something he hasn’t all season. He gave a stable yet quiet performance, avoiding highlights and lowlights altogether while finishing a +34 on the night. Every bench player came ready to compete, and they helped the Nuggets record their largest-ever margin of victory over the Lakers.

Games Notes:

• DEN Bench: 57 points | LAL Bench: 32
• DEN Biggest Lead: 42 points
• DEN Turnovers: 6
• Vibes: Immaculate