Nuggets-Grizzlies Grades: The Twin Towers are back

Despite being undermanned, the Denver Nuggets delivered a strong 105-99 home win over the Memphis Grizzlies, led by a frontcourt-heavy lineup.

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

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

Nikola Jokic (B+) 77.83 — Jokic was a true star, taking on Marc Gasol and coming down with his 17th double-double of the season, leading all scorers with 27 points and outscoring the Spaniard by 20. As a result, No. 15 posted strong defensive and offensive ratings off a high usage percentage, all while totaling his fourth-best GmSc of the season. As if that wasn’t enough, he was clinical from the floor with a 75 percent TS%, unleashing unreal step back jumpers and adding six assists.

Jamal Murray (B) 70.82 — Murray battled through a shin contusion and was special, playing an efficient game that was crucial for Denver’s big win. More than any of his offensive numbers, what was most impressive was how Murray battled Mike Conley on the defensive end posting a 105 DRtg, one of his best of the year.

Offensively, he was great, finishing with a 68 percent TS% and a 5-to-1 assist to turnover ratio while snatching up four steals and two blocks. An inspired 16-point performance from the lead guard.

Scout’s Grade (A) — This was one of the best night’s of Murray’s season. He held onto the ball for the most part and played within himself on the offensive end of the floor. The jumper will come.

Torrey Craig (D+) 45.44 — Thrust into the starting lineup and playing 24 minutes, Craig struggled in a -5 night where he couldn’t get his shot to fall and didn’t add much else as far as rebounding or assists. His DRtg of 118 was his third worst of the season and fairly unimpressive. Aside from throwing down a spectacular fast break alley-oop, Craig’s performance was forgettable.

Scout’s Grade (B) — Craig may not have made much of an impact on the offensive end of the floor, but he defended Mike Conley well. That’s enough to earn a B.

Juancho Hernangomez (C-) 50.43 — With three turnovers and an eFG% of 37 percent, Juancho wasn’t the smoothest in this contest, at least offensively. Against the Grizzlies oversized lineup Juancho battled and brought down five boards and blocked two shots in 37 minutes. He also got to the line five times sinking four, in a valuable, but sloppy performance.

Mason Plumlee (C) 58.57 — In his first start of the season Plumlee had himself a double-double, bringing down five huge offensive boards, all while shooting an impressive 55 percent per eFG%. In 35 minutes his  -2 plus-minus, and unspectacular ORtg and DRtg’s hurt his grade, as did his three turnovers. But given the circumstances, Plumlee came up big for Denver.

Scout’s Grade (A) — Plumlee gets an A for his fourth-quarter play on the defensive end of the floor alone. He had a number of plays at the rim in the final few minutes that lifted Denver to the win.

Monte Morris (B+) 78.36 — With a hobbled Murray and lacking depth in the Nuggets backcourt, Morris’ 20 point performance was massive for Denver. The backup PG had a game-high +14, tallied an absurd 83 percent eFG%, added six boards and five assists all while turning the ball over once. A special performance from the youngster who drained some big shots from beyond the arc.

Malik Beasley (C-) 53.65 — A seven-point night in 15 minutes with a plus-minus of +2 doesn’t seem like much, though the advanced stats on Beasly seemed to really enjoy what he did with a 124 ORtg, a 21 percent USG%, and a solid 50 percent eFG%. His grade wasn’t higher due to a lack of boards, assist, steals, and free throw attempts.

Trey Lyles (C) 56.66 — Lyles was overshadowed by others in the frontcourt but still scored nine points and hauled in seven boards in 22 minutes of +8 ball. His 75 ORtg really killed his grade, as did a lack of three’s.