Grades: Denver Nuggets Snap Losing Streak

Nikola Jokić – A

Jokić was in complete control Sunday afternoon, responding to Malone’s challenge of shooting more by leading all Nuggets points, field goal attempts, rebounds, and assists. He recorded yet another triple-double. Jokić and Kyrie Irving went toe-to-toe in the second quarter, each putting up 14 points, with Jokić shooting 6 of 6 from the field and dishing out four assists in that span. It was a breathless two-way display of seemingly effortless scoring.

Defensively, no one was at their best, and Jokić struggled with an uncharacteristically effective pick-and-pop featuring Blake Griffin. Griffin, who was shooting 20.7% from 3 entering the game, knocked down 5 of 6 3s in the first half alone. Malone moved Jokić off Griffin in the second half, allowing Denver to switch the action, and Brooklyn fell behind as Jokić and the Nuggets kept pace. Big Honey was nearly flawless on offense and aggressive when he needed to be, which got the Nuggets back on the winning track.

Aaron Gordon – A-

Gordon returned to action, and Denver returned to healthier ways on offense. Gordon’s such a great connecter, involved in so many ‘ball is poppin’ possessions, and routinely choosing the right play over the selfish one. He picked up seven assists by staying active and hitting quick windows. Gordon looked crisp and engaged. Welcome back.

Will Barton – A-

Barton responded with a great game, taking fewer shots than AG or Jokić and knocking down most of them. He dropped 21 points on 7 of 12 shooting, grabbed six rebounds, and logged four assists. Barton turned it over twice but made up for one by hustling back and erasing his error with a chase-down block. He cleaned up his mistakes and turned up the effort.

Monte Morris – A-

Morris’ three-point shot dried up on him, but he posted eight assists to zero turnovers, operating as the cog in a healthy offense we expect him to be. Denver’s low-mistake guard lived up to his reputation as the starters rolled. Morris was a team-high +30 in the win.

Jeff Green – B-

Jeff Green only grabbed six rebounds across the five games preceding this win. He grabbed five rebounds alone against the Nets.

Bryn Forbes – C+

Forbes improved on a dreadful shooting performance with an acceptable one. He wasn’t great, but he played hard. His three rebounds and three assists qualify as an unexpected, positive contribution.

Zeke Nnaji – C+

Nnaji struggled on the glass but got some help from DeMarcus Cousins. He shot 4 of 5 from the floor, including two 3s. His lone miss came on a botched fast-break dunk. Let Zeke shoot!

Austin Rivers – N/A

Rivers left the game roughly eight minutes in and did not return.

Bones Hyland – D

Hyland really struggled. He missed most of his shots, matched his assists with turnovers, and generally looked disjointed as the leader of the second unit. Bones might’ve seen the bench in a different setting, but Denver’s starters pulled away, and Malone let the rookie play through it.

DeMarcus Cousins – C

Cousins missed four shots and drew a technical on the final day of his 10-Day contract. He did grab nine rebounds, though, helping prevent poor bench stints from devolving into disastrous ones. The front office now has an interesting decision to make. Boogie’s looked in poor shape, is nursing an injury, hasn’t shot well, and is drawing technical fouls at a concerning rate. But the Nuggets are also 5-0 in his appearances, and the bench needs a center. To Boogie or not to Boogie?

Garbage Time: Facu, Reed, Howard

DNP: JaMychal Green