Nuggets-Clippers Grades: Paul Millsap has a night to remember

Back in the Mile High City and facing a Los Angeles Clippers team that’s still figuring things after the trade deadline, the Denver Nuggets dominated from start to finish on their way to a 123-96 win.

We grade every performance from the Nuggets with our Dynamic Player Rating (DPR), which takes into account 12 different statistical factors.

Note: for DPRs that are lacking context, our beat reporters are offering their scout’s grade.

Nikola Jokic (A-) 80.14 — Despite four quick fouls that limited him to only 28 minutes, Jokic was incredibly efficient and our metric rewarded him for his performance. The Joker was on fire in the first half, scoring 18 of his game-high 22 points in the first two quarters. Finding high-percentage makes, he ended the night with a 56 eFG% and a 34.9 USG% — his highest USG% this month. Jokic also pulled down 16 rebounds, added three assists, and three steals in a plus-14 outing. His over-the-head pass that led to a Paul Millsap three was one of his highlight-level plays from an impressive night.

Jamal Murray (B-) 68.73 — Murray’s 16 points in 24 minutes won’t give him an elite grade but he was the catalyst of the Nuggets’ two early runs in the first half, scoring and distributing as Denver opened up double-digit leads in both the first and second quarters. Murray’s confidence seemed to be there as he played within himself and registered an efficient 58 eFG%. The Nuggets’ lead guard also dished out six assists and ended the game with a 90 DRtg — his third-best DRtg of the year.

Paul Millsap (A) 88.95 — Millsap was superb in his best game of the year, per DPR, racking up a plus-25 plus-minus as the Clippers couldn’t get things going when he was on the court. Denver’s veteran power forward ended the game with an impressive 21 and 16 double-double, with five offensive rebounds, three steals, two blocks, and two assists. He posted a 69 eFG% and a standout 77 DRtg. Millsap is averaging an 86 DRtg over his last four games, a mark that would lead the league over the course of the entire season. Millsap also took the reins when Jokic had to sit for long stretches in the second half. If Millsap is clicking like this the Nuggets are hard to beat.

Malik Beasley (B-) 68.62 — In just 25 minutes, the Nuggets were a plus-19 with Beasley on the court and he scored a modest eight points but did so on a 100 eFG%. Beasley made two 3s and added a nifty dunk to the mix as his run of good outings continued.

Will Barton (D+) 46.72 — The only Nugget starter without a grade above a B-, Barton ended the game a plus-13 but just didn’t do much statistically to warrant a high grade. His three points on a 25 eFG% just weren’t impressive and all he added on top of that were three rebounds and two assists, resulting in a 56 ORtg — his worst ORtg by a large margin this year.

Gary Harris (B-) 66.44 — Harris proved his worth off the bench with 14 points in 22 minutes on a 62 eFG%, making 50 percent of his 3s. He also registered a 91 DRtg when on the court and was a plus-8 on the night. Statistically, this was one of Harris’ best outings since Jan. 17 when he initially returned to the lineup following a five-game absence due to an ailing hamstring.

Monte Morris (B) 70.28 — Morris was vital off the bench, scoring 12 points in 22 minutes. He finished as a plus-16 and added five assists, two steals, and a rare block. The one negative note was that he turned the ball over twice, ending his six-game streak without a giveaway. His impact was felt defensively too with an 86 DRtg.

Mason Plumlee (B) 71.21 — Plumlee was a joy to watch as he banked in a 3 and dished out some nifty assists to end the game in style. The Nuggets’ backup center added six rebounds, four assists, and a block in a plus-11 game that saw him score nine points. His 88 DRtg and 176 ORtg helped his grade in a major way.

Isaiah Thomas (C-) 54.11 — Thomas’ 3-ball wasn’t falling but the veteran guard still found ways to contribute, scoring 10 points but only on a 27 eFG%. Thomas also handed out four assists and scored 10 points on drives to the rack, while getting to the line and making all four his free-throw attempts. In a plus-11 outing on a season-high 24 minutes, IT’s grade was only hurt by his four turnovers and a 78 ORtg.

Juancho Hernangomez (D-) 37.77 — Juancho just didn’t have it once again, as all he had to show for his 12 minutes of play was one point, three rebounds, and an assist. None of the advanced metrics liked his night either.