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Player Grades from Nuggets’ loss to the Jazz

By Mitchell Carter

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 28: Mason Plumlee #24 of the Denver Nuggets dunks against the Utah Jazz on November 28, 2017 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 28: Mason Plumlee #24 of the Denver Nuggets dunks against the Utah Jazz on November 28, 2017 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Well, last night’s game was a bit tough to watch if you are a Nuggets fan. Throughout the whole

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game, even as the Nuggets went into the half with a lead, it appeared the Nuggets were not in sync. The defense was not there, the offense was stagnant, and they lacked energy. Basically, the Jazz just had their way with Denver all night. Here is how I graded the players of last night’s contest.

(A+ through A-) Graded Players

None.

(B+ through B-) Graded Players

Gary Harris (B-)

Gary was easily the best player the Nuggets had on the floor last night. Unfortunately, his shot was not falling and due to his high number of minutes, he finished the game with a team worst -23 +/-.

Kenneth Faried (B-)

Faried did exactly what we expect him to do. Go grab rebounds and dunk the basketball. He consistently attacked the offensive glass, grabbing  5 of Denver’s 12 offensive rebounds according to ESPN game stats. However, he still found himself lost in his defensive assignments and continuously being overpowered by Derrick Favors.

(C+ through C-) Graded Players

Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic, Juan Hernangomez (C)

The remainder of the starting five pulled in C rating as nobody really stepped up to the plate in this road contest. We all know that losing Paul Millsap was going to be a big blow, but c’mon Nuggets, you guys have to take this personally.

(D+ through F) Graded Players

The Bench (D’s and F’s)

When are we going to get some consistent production and trust from our bench? Scott Hastings of Altitude Sports Broadcast said it best. “The second unit needs to figure out its identity.” The bench will have a play here and there, but overall, when the subs come in (in a close contest), our lead either vanishes or the opponent pulls away.

Next: Nuggets take loss to Jazz

Overall Team Grade (D)

The Utah Jazz were 9-11 this year and they beat Denver in a close matchup to start the year. They were without a number of key players including Rudy Gobert, Joe Johnson, and Rodney Hood. Yet, they appeared to be the Varsity State Champions compared to the Nuggets, who played like a mediocre JV team. Just look at the tape, we could not stop a pick n’ roll to save our lives. There was a time in the 3rd quarter where the Jazz scored on six straight possessions using just a pick n’ roll. That is inexcusable, especially for an NBA team whose main focus is to improve on the defensive front. If this team wants to be anything close to relevant, they need to step up over these next couple months, because Paul Millsap is not walking through that door anytime soon.

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