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Nuggets vs. Clippers: Grades

By Michael Longhofer

Los Angeles Clippers v Denver NuggetsDENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 27: Boban Marjanovic #51 and Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers talk during a timeout as the take on the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on February 27, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. 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. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)Getty ID: 925203916
Los Angeles Clippers v Denver NuggetsDENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 27: Boban Marjanovic #51 and Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers talk during a timeout as the take on the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on February 27, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. 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. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)Getty ID: 925203916 /
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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 17: E’Twuan Moore #55 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket against Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on November 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. 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. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 17: E’Twuan Moore #55 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket against Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on November 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. 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. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

. PF. Denver Nuggets. PAUL MILLSAP. A

Many of the questions surrounding the return of Millsap centered around his integration into the high-powered Nuggets offensive squad.

As it turns out, Millsap’s skill set and sturdy, steady game seemed to expose the deficiencies of the young, talented core.  It has been since November 19th of last year since we’ve seen what an all-star caliber player brings to the court for the Nuggets.

Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets /

Denver Nuggets

We’ve seen spectacular performances in the intervening 44 games but last night showed us what a guy who pays attention to the details looks like.

My takeaway from watching Millsap last night can be summed up in one word:

“Smart.”

Millsap is smart, he doesn’t go for the flashy, behind-the-back pass when a standard pass will do.  He boxes out, he pays attention to rebounding.  He plays defense without reaching, keeps his feet in position.  He blocks shots but relies on his athleticism only as a last resort.

In 23 minutes of action, the Nuggets forward put in nine points, grabbed seven rebounds, had two assists, a steal and two blocks.  For a guy coming off a nearly four month layoff, he looked to be not too far off his form.

I don’t know what we all expected from this consummate professional but it is a comfort knowing he’s back and still the guy we need.  This team can only benefit from his steadying presence.

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