The Denver Nuggets did it again, pulling off an exhilarating 102-100 win over the Indiana Pacers, the Eastern Conference’s fourth-best team.
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) 71.79 — DPR does take into account being ejected or fouling out, which Jokic did after arguing with the refs as the game was winding down, but still his grade fell in the B range. He finished the night with 26 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Jokic started off hot, man-handling Myles Turner early on and finishing the contest with a 57 eFG%, on a 36 USG%. Slowing down a bit after his hot start, Jokic’s 109 ORtg is lower than most would’ve predicted. His 116 DRtg certainly hurt his grade in an up-and-down contest.
Jamal Murray (C+) 62.11 — Murray asserted himself as a scorer with some elegant drives to the hoop, scoring 17 points despite only shooting 1-7 from three. Murray’s grade was brought down by those percentages and a lack of impact as a distributor and rebounder, although he did end the game as a plus-12 and was key in the pick-and-roll that led to Paul Millsap’s game-winning bucket. However, Murray did miss a wide-open look on the prior possession.
Paul Millsap (B-) 66.79 — Millsap had two attempts at putting the Nuggets ahead in the final minute of the fourth and scored the game-winning bucket on a strong drive and contested finish. On the night, he tallied a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. He also added three assists and a steal in 34 minutes. A 45 eFG%, largely due to his struggles shooting from beyond the arc, hurt his grade in an otherwise strong outing.
Will Barton (B) 71.99 — Barton was unleashed as a scorer in the second quarter, playing a crucial role in getting the Nuggets back into the game and capping off the second half with a gorgeous step-back 3. He ended the game with 17 points on 70 eFG%, with a huge 142 ORtg. Barton also added six rebounds, two steals, and five assists on the night.
Gary Harris (C) 59.63 — Harris had a quiet scoring night but played a well-rounded game finishing with 10 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. He was also second to Murray in plus-minus on the night with a plus-9. His lackluster shooting percentages and 111 DRtg lowered his grade.
Malik Beasley (C+) 61.67 — Beasley shot the ball effectively, scoring 11 points in 20 minutes on a ridiculous 91 eFG%. He also registered a 142 ORtg — equaling Barton for the highest ORtg of the game. A minus-seven plus-minus, lack of contributions outside of scoring, and a 114 DRtg held Beasley’s grade back from getting into the B range.
Monte Morris (D) 43.12 — Morris didn’t have much to show for his 25 minutes of play in a -6 night where he only scored two points, added two assists, a steal and two boards. He also turned the ball over once. His 25 eFG%, 114 DRtg and 73 ORtg really hurt his grade.
Mason Plumlee (D+) 48.90 — Plumlee fouled out in 23 minutes scoring four points and only added two rebounds. He did dish out five assists and blocked two shots while finishing with a plus-5 plus-minus on the night. However, like Morris, his shooting percentages combined with disappointing offensive and defensive ratings significantly hurt his grade.
