Nuggets-Spurs Game 7 Grades: How Denver's young core found a new level in their first playoff series

With the Nuggets’ season on the line in Game 7, Denver pulled out a convincing 90-86 win over the Spurs.

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+) 78.11 — Jokic averaged an impressive 79.97 DPR in the series, topping things off with a triple-double in 43 minutes as he posted 21 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists with three blocks. Despite those eye-popping numbers, Jokic registered a series-worst 34 eFG%  in the win and also tallied a 102 ORtg, another series-worst for the star big man. However, Jokic’s defense (91 DRtg) and his three blocks and steal, really stood out in a game where he also avoided any turnovers despite a high 29.5 USG%. Outside of his shot not falling consistently and a minus-1 plus-minus, Jokic had a close to immaculate performance in the biggest game of his young career.

Jamal Murray (B-) 69.66 — This wasn’t the all-world destroyer type performance Murray had in Game 5, but he did lead the way offensively with 23 points in a confident offensive showing. His 47 eFG% wasn’t stellar but Murray made buckets when Denver needed it most including the game-winning pull-up jumper. His 112 ORtg and 102 DRtg were both solid as he added four assists and five rebounds in 32 minutes. Murray came of age in the final two home games of the series, a huge sing for Denver moving forward in this playoff run and beyond.

Paul Millsap (C-) 52.20 — It was an up and down series for Millsap who averaged a 54.80 DPR over the seven games, which was a few ticks lower than his season average of 59.63. In Game 7, Millsap had a workmanlike performance scoring nine points and adding seven rebounds while getting to the line four times. His 30 eFG% was far from impressive but he did post a 102 DRtg and led the team with a plus-12 in 35 minutes. It wasn’t a flashy offensive showing but he certainly had an impact getting the dirty work done for the Nuggets.

Gary Harris (C) 58.09 — Along with Jokic, Harris was the one other Nuggets player to go over 40 minutes on the night playing a big role defensively with a 100 DRtg and two blocks as the Spurs were held in check most of the evening with him on the floor. His 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists were key despite recording a lackluster 45 eFG%. Tying a bow on the series against the Spurs, Harris went from having a disappointing regular season to returning to form and becoming one of Denver’s more trustworthy players in Micheal Malone’s playoff rotation, upping his DPR from 56.98 to 62.33 in the postseason.

Torrey Craig (C) 56.04 — As the only starter to play fewer than 30 minutes, Craig still had a nice game, scoring seven points on an 87 eFG% while adding four rebounds and one block. His 99 DRtg was important as the Spurs struggled to score from the perimeter most of the game. Craig becoming this consistent and reliable in the biggest games of his life has been a very encouraging sign. 

Will Barton (C-) 50.09 — Barton did not have a big game outside of two crucial blocks and a strong defensive performance in just 14 minutes. He had as quiet of a game as he’s had all series, scoring just three points on a 25 eFG%, adding three rebounds and two assists. His ORtg of 74 was abysmal and the fourth game all series where he scored an ORtg that was significantly under 100. 

Malik Beasley (C-) 50.49 — Had Beasley just scored four points in the regular season he would’ve almost certainly scored a failing grade, but in Game 7 he found a way to contribute with seven rebounds and strong defense in 20 minutes. Beasley finding ways to make an impact despite only registering a 20 eFG% is a big sign. 

Monte Morris (C-) 54.48 — Morris was solid at best in 16 minutes, scoring seven points with one rebound and one steal in a plus-3 outing.  

Mason Plumlee (C+) 62.75 — In just 12 minutes Plumlee had a very efficient outing, scoring five points on a 66 eFG% for easily the best ORtg of any Nugget (166). He also added six rebounds, one steal, and two assists in a game where he made the best of his time on the floor, playing solid defense as well.