Grades: Michael Porter Jr. shines in Nuggets' win over Grizzlies

The Denver Nuggets played host to the Memphis Grizzlies Monday night, and this time, Memphis was much closer to full strength. That didn’t slow down Nikola Jokić and Michael Porter Jr., however. The second unit busted the game wide open in the second half, and then the starters shut the door. The Nuggets aren’t feeling sorry for themselves.

Let’s go to the grades:

Nikola Jokić – A

Jokić finally got a friendly whistle Sunday night, and he leaned into the advantage. Armed with confidence in the officiating, he shot-faked Memphis into oblivion. Jokić finished 10/10 from the line on his way to 24 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. He did turn the ball over six times, though. Memphis was aggressive in sending help. Jokić kept it simple. If they doubled, he moved the ball. If the help came too late or never came at all, he went to work.

Michael Porter Jr. – A+

That might be the best game of Porter’s career, which is saying something considering he dropped a career-high 39 last time out. Porter finished with 31 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal, but he only shot six 3s this time and hit half of them. He did the rest of his damage in the mid-range and near the rim. His handle looked tight, his jumper silky, and his timing improved when attacking overzealous closeouts. Porter was in complete control.

He looks comfortable sliding into the second scoring option. More comfortable than before even, which head coach Michael Malone pointed out after the game:

“The ball is going to find him,” Malone explained. “So he’s not rushing shots. He’s not forcing shots.”

Porter looks as good as advertised right now, if not better. The Nuggets have another young star on their hands. And this one might be a superstar.

MPJ since Jamal Murray injury:

25.7 PPG
6.4 RPG
4.4 3PG

59.1 FG%
54.4 3P%
+72 +/-

The Nuggets are 6-1 in that span. pic.twitter.com/fu9qrnFXnS

— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 27, 2021

Aaron Gordon – B

Gordon looked comfortable knocking down his two catch-and-shoot threes. He also got more involved as a screener and a cutter than last time out. He finished with 15 points, 5 rebounds (3 OREB), 2 steals, and 1 block on 6/10 shooting. It was a quality start.

PJ Dozier – B+

Dozier’s jumper wasn’t falling, but that didn’t stop him from making a winning impact. Dozier was an absolute terror on defense and grabbed seven rebounds again. He also busted out some crafty finishes at the rim.

Dozier covered an insane amount of ground and managed to disrupt a variety of players across multiple positions. He is playing his tail off on defense right now, and it’s making all the difference for the Nuggets.

Facundo Campazzo – B-

Ja Morant’s going to score on Campazzo. He’s going to score and often with ease. Nonetheless, despite chasing around the opposing team’s best player all night, Campazzo had energy left in the tank on the other end. He recorded seven assists as the starting point guard, and you can tell he’s enjoying a natural role. Starting in the NBA is an adjustment, sure, but playing floor general is what he does best. He’s playing well since Murray went down.

Austin Rivers – C+

Rivers couldn’t knock down a three, but he did showcase his impressive crossover and ability to get to the rim. It’s something his fellow bench players can’t do and not a lousy bail-out option near the end of a possession. He recorded three assists as well.

JaMychal Green – C+

Nothing to write home about for JaMychal Green.

Shaq Harrison – B-

Shaq only scored on a reverse transition layup plus the foul. Now that I think about it, Shaq seems to only score on reverse transition layups plus the foul. He got a nice shout-out from Jokić after the game, who highlighted Harrison as a galvanizing force on defense.

Paul Millsap – B+

Millsap air-balled two shots but played quite well off the bench. He finished with 12 points and 4 rebounds in 14:13 on the court. Malone turned back to the Millsap-Green pairing off the bench. No JaVale McGee, but it worked out this time.

Clean-Up Crew – Played

I’m not sure if the Ball Arena faithful got any louder Monday night than when Bol Bol threw down a garbage time dunk. The Best Show in Garbage Time is back. Also, Vlatko Čančar blew by someone and threw down a dunk, which rules.

Game Notes:

The Nuggets are now 13-3 since acquiring Aaron Gordon at the trade deadline. That’s the best record in the league over that stretch.