Missed Free Throws Sink Nuggets in a Narrow Loss to the Clippers

Nikola Jokić – A+

Nikola Jokić launched an awkward and unlikely three at the final buzzer. Given the shooter, I half expected it to fall. But it fell short. That ends the list of disappointments from Jokić. He was virtually flawless otherwise in a narrow loss to the Clippers.

Jokić posted 36 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists in another game without Jamal Murray. The Clippers rotated through potential defenders before landing on PJ Tucker. Tucker specializes in undersized defense and gets some leeway from the officials. He dared them to blow the whistle with physical and pesky defense. Of course, the strategy is nothing novel. Jokić has seen it all before, and he nearly delivered a road win despite significant struggles from his teammates.

Aaron Gordon – B+

Aaron Gordon should have been on the honor roll, and the Denver Nuggets should have won that game. Neither outcome materialized for the same reason—missed free throws. Gordon went to the line 14 times but left seven points there. Those misses are hard to ignore in a two-point loss. It should be noted that, otherwise, he was excellent. He played with outstanding energy and remarkable physicality. Everything about his approach was commendable. Unfortunately, that doesn’t alter the impact of his poor free-throw shooting and untimely turnover late in the game.

Michael Porter Jr. – D

Porter missed an opportunity to deliver a crucial win. Had he played even an average game as Denver’s second option, the Nuggets would have left Los Angeles as the victors. Instead, Porter shot a woeful 6/18 from the field, including 2/10 from deep. He was arguably worse on the defensive end. Jokić, who rarely hesitates to feed MPJ, barely looked his way in the clutch. Porter did not look ready to play winning basketball on the road.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – B+

Pope started hot. He took on the difficult Paul George assignment and nearly outscored him in the first half. It helped Denver build a massive first-quarter lead. The lead would not hold, however, nor would Pope’s shooting. In the end, his night was defined by misses. One was at the free throw line in the clutch, and another wide-open mid-range shot, with 2:46 remaining. It’s a shame because, like Gordon, Pope played excellent basketball outside of a few damning mistakes.

Reggie Jackson – F

Jackon’s decision-making and defense were poor, to be blunt and kind. Michael Malone opted to close with Christian Braun instead. Denver will likely need Jackson’s ball-handling in the playoffs. We know he’s capable of much better performances. Still, it’s hard to ignore how low the floor is—especially with Murray’s extended absence looming overhead.

Christian Braun – B

Like everyone else who isn’t named Jokić, Braun struggled from the field in Los Angeles. But he contributed plenty in the dirty work department. Braun finished with eight rebounds and three assists off the bench. His energy nearly sparked a comeback and earned Jokić’s trust down the stretch.

Peyton Watson – F

Denver’s bench scored only nine points in the loss. Braun scored seven of them. Watson had the other two, but that’s all he had for the Clippers.

Justin Holiday and DeAndre Jordan – F

These two combined for two rebounds and one turnover. And by combined, I mean they all belonged to Holiday. The bench failed to do its job in Los Angeles.