Grades: Denver Nuggets waste another MVP performance from Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokić – A

Jokić got off to a slow start on Orthodox Christmas. He missed several bunnies around the rim and found himself in foul trouble again. That, of course, is not the lasting takeaway of anyone who witnessed his performance. Despite picking up his fourth foul in the third quarter, Jokić played the entire fourth quarter and overtime period, and he was as clutch as it gets to close regulation. He scored 17 of his 38 points in those 12 minutes, including the game-tying jumper to send it to overtime. He matched his effort on offense with some stout defending down the stretch as well. The magic dried up in the overtime period, however.

Jokić went 1/5 from the floor in overtime, scoring 3 points. Barton was his only teammate to score in the period, but he also took an ill-advised shot that will probably be remembered as a package deal with an untimely turnover for PJ Dozier down the stretch. Ultimately, the Nuggets wasted yet another MVP effort.

Jamal Murray – C+

Murray picked up the slack while Jokić warmed up in the first quarter. He scored 13 quick points on 4/6 shooting, including 3/4 from deep. It was all downhill from there, however. As the game progressed, he grew worse, as if he ran into a wall. The shots stopped falling, the passes grew lazy, and a few mental lapses marred a strong start to his night. By the time overtime came around, it was hard to find much confidence in Murray.

Last week, Jamal Murray told the media he’s simply “making more shots than you guys expect.” To be blunt, I expected him to make more shots in the second half against Dallas.

Gary Harris – B-

Offensively, this is arguably Harris’ best performance of the season. He only knocked down one of his four attempts from deep, but he drove with conviction and confidence, finishing with 15 points on the night. His defense on Doncic was admirable in the first half, but the size disparity caught up to him as the game progressed. Unfortunately, he couldn’t make his typical impact on that end, and I thought he played well, but Harris’ size is a factor in these matchups.

Will Barton III – C-

Barton was quiet Thursday night, making some of his loudest statements—both good and bad—in overtime. He scored 5 of his 8 points in the OT period on 2/3 from the field, but his missed shot was an ill-advised take. Ultimately, he finished with just 8 points on 3/7 from the field. Denver needs so much more from their guards so far, Barton especially included. He has little to offer around the rim, his defense isn’t reliable, and he lacks that signature confidence.

Paul Millsap – D

Millsap didn’t have it Thursday night. He finished 1/6 from the field was a step behind the pace of the game on defense. He played in 28-plus minutes but wasn’t on the floor to close the game in overtime. Malone turned to another four-guard lineup around Jokić to close.

PJ Dozier – C

Dozier was very good, and at times great, in his role for three quarters. Barton picked up a couple of early fouls, and Dozier entered the game alongside the starters. The defense looked great in that stint, which set the tone for the best defensive half of the Nuggets season. Alas, Dozier couldn’t execute down the stretch, most notably a turnover in one of the game’s most pivotal possessions during the overtime period. This grade must reflect those crucial minutes.

JaMychal Green – B-

Green finished with a near double-double in fewer than 20 minutes on the court. He’s no all-star, but the bench looks considerably better since his return—even if there’s still a long way to go.

Monte Morris – B+

Morris scored 11 points on 4/7 shooting, including 2/4 from deep. He added three rebounds, three assists, and of course, didn’t turn the ball over. The Mayor was solid and far from the problem in this loss.

Isaiah Hartenstein –

Hartenstein’s been on the sideline since Malone turned two a 9-man rotation, but he returned to action Thursday night when Jokić got into foul trouble. How did Hartenstein do? He immediately found himself in foul trouble. Hartenstein picked up three personals in his 5:14 on the court.

Game Notes: The Denver Nuggets fall to 0-2 on Christmas this season.