Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and the Denver Nuggets Refuse to Lose

Nikola Jokić – A+

Jokić recorded another triple-double in the win, limiting himself to just two turnovers. It was clean dominance — Jokić shot 75% from the floor as he went to the hook shot against Walker Kessler and the Utah Jazz. Kessler played a great game, challenging Jokić on the glass and the other end of the floor. But no one can contain him offensively at this point. Denver was in control with Jokić on the floor. For those counting, that’s the 107th triple-double of Jokić’s career, tying him with LeBron James and Jason Kidd.

Jamal Murray – B–

Murray took the podium in a good mood, ready to reflect on the win. But he wasn’t impressed with himself. “I don’t think I even played that well,” he told the media. He certainly didn’t shoot well. Despite flashy finishes out of the two-man game, Murray struggled to put the ball through the hoop Monday night. He led all Nuggets with 19 shots and made just seven. Still, Murray’s hung his hat on an all-around impact this season, and if he doesn’t make a big deal out of his 14 assists, I’ll do it for him. That’s just one shy of tying his career-high. He also defended well. Murray works as hard as the second-unit players when he leads them to battle.

Michael Porter Jr. – C

After a successful outing against OKC, Porter took a step back against the Jazz. He looked slower, his work rate dropped, and he fell out of the half-court flow on more than one occasion. Most notably, he didn’t even close the game. Malone left Christian Braun out there, then mentioned, unprompted, that he probably should have gotten MPJ back into the game. “Michael will close most games for us,” he said. It’d be nice to think Porter’s earned the benefit of the doubt in these situations. Still, it’s his challenge to end the conversation permanently. His performance could have been better.

Aaron Gordon – A-

The Utah Jazz could not stop Aaron Gordon in the first half. They couldn’t even contain him. He scored 14 points on 7/8 from the field. All seven field goals occurred in the paint. From bulldozing drives to alley-oops to tip-ins, Gordon showcased why he’s a nightmare to match up with on the Denver Nuggets. Overall, AG had a much better night on the glass than his previous performances. Interestingly enough, Denver was out-rebounded again in the win. That’s the third such occurrence already this season.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – A-

KCP earned his fourth consecutive DPOG chain after locking up Jordan Clarkson. Upon learning the news, Jamal Murray joked that he was done even competing for the award. Then he called Pope an All-Defense caliber player. It’s a common sentiment in that locker room these days. His teammates are determined to shine a light on him. Pope is refusing to give anyone an inch right now. He’s setting the tone for a great start on defense.

Reggie Jackson – C+

The shots didn’t fall for Jackson Monday night. But he competed defensively, on the glass, and only turned it over once. He’s showcasing a higher floor than expected.

Christian Braun – A–

As mentioned above, Braun closed the game for Michael Malone and the Nuggets. He’s playing like he’s shot out of a cannon right now. He hurls himself at rebound opportunities and reaches top speed every other possession. Braun also has the most fascinating layup package in the NBA. He doesn’t use any moves. He figures that you won’t stop him if he jumps high and hard enough. It’s worked against the Jazz.

Peyton Watson – C+

Fresh off a career-high 17 points, Watson was much quieter Monday night. He was serviceable in his minutes, but we saw the other edge of Malone’s coaching approach. Watson settled for a pull-up three and was subsequently benched. After the game, Malone explained what he told him — can you hit that shot? Of course. But I want you attacking. Don’t settle.

From the department of silver linings: Watson did record another block in the win.

Zeke Nnaji – B

Nnaji put together one of his most tenacious performances. Utah is a big team, and Nnaji’s an undersized backup five replacing the best player alive. On paper, it’s a recipe for disaster. In practice, Nnaji worked his tail off again, securing three rebounds, two steals, and six points. Early in the second quarter, Nnaji stole an offensive rebound from Walker Kessler before turning and dunking on the seven-footer. Again, the box scores are unlikely to capture what the eye test reveals — Nnaji’s working hard, and the backup five minutes are working for Denver.