In Game 3 in San Antonio, the Nuggets kept things close until the very end as the Spurs were more decisive in the fourth quarter on their way to an imposing 118-108 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 (B) 72.17 — Jokic had another 22 point performance on a 67 eFG% and also registered a 148 ORtg. He got going in the second half, staying aggressive in stretches and getting to the rim. With eight rebounds and seven assists, he was able to have his usual impact with a 20.9 GmSc. His biggest issue was on the defensive end where his DRtg jumped to 129 after averaging a 105 in the first two games. His-25 plus-minus also hurt his grade although he’s remained the most productive Nugget in the series by a healthy margin.
Jamal Murray (D) 41.01 — Murray hadn’t scored a DPR this low since back in the third game of the regular season against the Golden State Warriors, where he scored three points in 26 minutes. In Game 3 he scored six points in 31 minutes but was a-25. His 43 TS% was a major issue, much like his four turnovers to only two assists. Beyond his lack of production, the stat that really stood out was his 132 DRtg, which shouldn’t come as a surprise to casual viewers as Spurs’ point guard Derrick White bullied him at every turn. For the Nuggets to turn the series around they’ll need Murray to up his game in a major way and match White’s play or they’re in big trouble. His net rating of -72 won’t cut it.
Paul Millsap (C-) 50.48 — Millsap tried to assert himself early in this one and finished with a pretty 78 eFG% on his way to 14 points. But Millsap just couldn’t sustain that as the game wore on. He ended up with just one rebound and little else to show for his performance beyond his scoring output. His five fouls, a team-low -32 plus-minus, and a 135 DRtg hurt his grade quite a bit.
Gary Harris (C-) 51.65 — Harris was solid but needed to be special for Denver to get the road win in this one as the rest of the starting lineup wasn’t at its best. Harris managed to score 12 points off a poor 38 eFG%, as his 106 ORtg was much worse than his 130 DRtg. He did add seven assists, four rebounds, and a steal in 33 minutes but as his-27 plus-minus would suggest, he just wasn’t sharp enough on the night.
Will Barton (F) 34.29 — Barton’s struggles continued with his second F grade in less than 10 days. He continued to have issues on the offensive end, scoring just four points off an ugly 33 eFG%, while his contribution on the boards was limited to two rebounds with zero assists. Despite only playing 20 minutes, he still tallied a-23 plus-minus with a net rating of -89. When two of your starters are posting close to season-worst DPRs you’re not going to win many games.
Malik Beasley (B+) 75.73 — Beasley was arguably Denver’s best player, making a strong case that he should be starting after a 20-point and nine-rebound night in 28 minutes. His rebounding total was a season-high. Beasley shot the ball really well with a 73 eFG% and had a rare positive Net Rating with a 139 ORtg and a 127 DRtg He also was a strong plus-13 in the loss. This is exactly what Denver needs from the young guard who could be crucial in turning the series around.
Scout’s Grade (A) — There’s one major adjustment the Nuggets need to make for Game 4. It’s more minutes and perhaps a place in the starting lineup for Beasley who looks more than comfortable with the increased pressure of the playoffs. He can change the momentum of the game with a 3, or dunk, and should have more chances to do both with increased minutes on Saturday.
Monte Morris (C) 58.04 — Along with Beasley, Morris was strong off the bench, scoring 10 quick points in 25 minutes, with seven assists and just one turnover, his lone giveaway in the series. Morris’ 50 eFG% wasn’t stellar nor was his 134 DRtg, but this was a performance he can build off of on a plus-17 night.
Scout’s Grade (A-) — Morris outplayed Murray, and the Nuggets played better basketball with him on the floor Thursday, as has been the case for most of the series. He was a key cog in both of the runs that Denver’s bench unit went on in Game 3 with his playmaking and scoring.
Mason Plumlee (C) 54.60 — Plumlee had his best game of the series, staying aggressive and getting to the rim more often, on his way to eight points on an 80 eFG%. His 132 ORtg was on par with his 134 DRtg, as he added three assists and three rebounds. In 18 minutes, it was a solid outing for Plumlee who finished plus-8 but he can still do more on the defensive end and as a rebounder.
Torrey Craig (B+) 75.48 — In just 14 minutes, Craig almost beat Beasley’s DPR in an ultra-efficient outing where he racked up 12 points, six rebounds and an ORtg of 174. His DRtg of 119 was also the best by any Nugget as he shot it effectively with an 85 eFG% and made his presence felt when on the court. He certainly made a case for himself to have earned more minutes as his hard-hat mentality is exactly what Denver needs right now.
