Grades: The Bench Does it Again

Nikola Jokić – A

Jokić is a fascinating player and an important one in the history of this game. As we move further from the era of scoring > everything, Jokić is lighting the league on fire in his way. Sure, he’s arguably the most efficient scorer in the world right now, but that’s seemingly reluctant—a by-product of Denver’s process without the top-end talent. I say process because, truthfully, they’re still dominant offensively. But it’s not what Jokić has in mind.

And so I wonder just how much joy he found in taking only five shots and scoring only eight points, yet still utterly dismantling a down-bad Blazers team. In just 26 minutes, Jokić also grabbed 18 rebounds, and dished out 11 assists. He turned it over just twice despite getting creative in his distribution. He doesn’t care about his point total. He doesn’t care about what sways voters. Jokić is greatness personified, and it’s all on his terms.

Jeff Green – B

It’s been a minute since we’ve lauded Jeff Green, so I’m thrilled to write that he played well in Portland. He was active and efficient, scoring 14 on 4 of 5 shooting. Green looked like he was running out of gas in an extended role until Sunday night. And perhaps he still is, or at least, picking and choosing when to overextend. That whole equation may change with the probable return of Michael Porter Jr. Is life about to change for the dunkin’ uncle?

Aaron Gordon – C+

Here we have a rare moment when there’s little to say about AG in Denver. He played, hit some shots, and generally helped more than he hurt.

Will Barton – F

Barton needed only two 3s to crown himself and secure a team record. He shot 0 of 5 from deep, which took him out of the game. His body language was poor.

Monte Morris – D

Say it ain’t so! Morris recorded zero assists and turned the ball over. The Not Monte.

JaMychal Green – A+

The feel-good story of the night comes courtesy of JaMychal Green. Green played a horrid start to the season, bricking shots, setting illegal screens at an alarming rate, and fumbling rebound opportunities. Still, he was a victim of a poorly constructed unit. Without Cousins, Green was locked into futile above the break threes, often coming off a pick-and-pop action that Denver spammed like they were playing an earlier version of NBA 2K. Sunday night, in a dunker-spot role next to a traditional center, Green thrived. He scored 20 points on 7 of 8 shooting, grabbed ten rebounds to secure the double-double, stole the ball twice, blocked a shot, and only turned it over once. Malone lauded the toughness of the Bama Boy Combo, prompting Green to admit there might be “something in the water” down there.

DeMarcus Cousins – A+ (The Other Bama Boy)

I awarded Cousins an honorary A+ in the last report card for his undeniable impact on the second unit. In this edition, he earned it without a curve. Cousins punished the Blazers inside and showed off his immense skill — a trait that once defined an All-Star caliber player. Cousins becomes a more significant piece in the second unit’s offense with each game. It’s no longer about filling empty shoes. It’s about how Cousins, and his game specifically, is key to their success.

Bryn Forbes – A-

The Nuggets searched for a genuine shooting threat, and they found one. The former Spur shot 5 of 6 from deep, then hit the podium to discuss chemistry, ball movement, and why he never checks the standings. Classic.

Facundo Campazzo – C+

Facu was no threat as a scorer, which sounds like information you don’t need, except that he’s found success against Portland in the past. He does feast on the cellar dwellers. On Sunday night, he contributed in other ways, grabbing a hilarious seven rebounds, logging three assists, and earning the DPOG chain from Michael Malone.

Austin Rivers – C+

Another Blazers’ killer, Rivers, wasn’t the hero this time around. But he was solid. The entire bench was. Again. Pinch me.

Bones Hyland – N/A

Bones walked off the floor after 27 seconds with left ankle soreness. He tweaked that ankle in the win over the Kings. Sorry to bring the vibes down. I found no joy in it.

Davon Reed – Played in Garbage Time

I almost forgot about Davon. I was so sure he’d solidify himself as a Malone guy.

Game Notes: We’re going streaking. That’s six.