Nuggets-Mavericks Grades: Denver's defensive anchor shines in Dallas

The Denver Nuggets were back at it again with a convincing 114-104 road win at the Dallas Mavericks. The Nuggets pulled through in the second half in a game that saw few star performances but lots of solid team play.

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 (B) 73.86 — Jokic was his usual productive self after his first All-Star game appearance, falling two assists short of a triple-double. He scored 19 points, added 13 boards with five of those coming on the offensive glass and dished out eight assists with some beautiful cross-court dimes while setting up teammates for wide open shots. His 46 eFG% hurt his score a bit as did his four fouls and as four turnovers. He also finished as only a plus-3 on the night. His 101 DRtg was solid for his season average but lagged behind some of the other starters on the night.

Jamal Murray (C+) 63.44 — Murray’s stats don’t look great in a night where his shot wasn’t falling as he scored 12 points, added five boards, and four assists in 33 minutes. What the stats don’t show is how he was crucial in the Nuggets building their big second-half lead with a couple key jumpers. His impact is best demonstrated by his plus-14 plus-minus and a 96 DRtg, both outstanding figures.

Scout’s Grade (A-) — Murray left his offense in Kitchener, where he spent his All-Star break, but Denver’s starting point guard brought his defense to Dallas. His energy on that end of the floor made up for his lack of shotmaking.

Paul Millsap (B+) 74.57 — When Millsap was in, Denver was humming as his plus-15 will demonstrate. The power forward’s presence was impossible to miss on the defensive end as he also played a key role on some beautiful fast breaks that really broke things open for the Nuggets. Friday marked Millsap’s seventh double-double of the season with 17 points and 13 boards while adding three steals and a block. His 93 DRtg was the best on the team too. Had his shot fallen at a more efficient clip than the 46 eFG% he put up, he would’ve easily ended up with an A-level grade.

Malik Beasley (C+) 61.91 — Beasley’s 13 points were a bit streaky as he shot 40 percent from the field with three of his four makes coming from beyond the arc. He also recorded four assists which ties his third-most in a game this season. In 26 minutes this was far from Malik’s best game of the year but he was certainly a factor in Denver getting a win in Texas.

Will Barton (B-) 64.83 — Barton was another solid contributor with 10 points, four boards, two steals, and four assists in 28 minutes for a plus-8 night. Despite not getting to the line, he shot 62 percent per eFG% and added a 99 DRtg. His efficient outing resulted in a 148 ORtg, his highest of the season.

Gary Harris (C-) 54.17 — Harris, while far from perfect, was back in the rotation playing a strong 20 minutes and making his presence felt even if the stats weren’t anything special. Scoring eight points on 43 percent per eFG% wasn’t too impressive, as the advanced stats didn’t reward his performance but he did post a plus-5 and stayed turnover-free in a welcomed return to the floor.

Scout’s Grade (B+) — I’m giving Harris’ grade a boost for his defense. He only played 20 minutes in his first game back from a seven-game absence but his play on the defensive end of the floor jumped off the screen. Denver’s best perimeter defender will be an underrated addition to the Nuggets’ stretch run.

Monte Morris (C-) 54.42 — Morris didn’t overwhelm anyone with his outing but he found ways to contribute, scoring seven points, dishing out three assists and staying turnover-free for his sixth consecutive game.

Mason Plumlee (B-) 65.06 — Plumlee played a key role off the bench with a 12 and 13 double-double that saw him dominate the offensive glass. He had three assists finishing the game with a plus-13.

Scout’s Grade (A) — Plumlee had one of his better nights of the season. The Nuggets’ garbage man tallied 13 rebounds, six of which came on the offensive glass. Plumlee has been Denver’s defensive anchor for much of the season and was again in Dallas. An unsug hero of the Nuggets’ season, as Michael Malone likes to say.

Isaiah Thomas (B-) 66.80 — IT made some crucial transition 3s in Dallas ending the game with 16 points and an impressive 63 percent eFG%. In 16 minutes he also accounted for a 33 percent USG% as he sparked the second unit. A minus-4 hurt his overall grade a bit, though even if not at 100 percent Thomas has already proved to be an important spark plug for Denver.