Nuggets: Player grades after ugly loss to Heat

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 01: (L-R) Commentators Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy and Mike Breen talk prior to game between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 01, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 01: (L-R) Commentators Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy and Mike Breen talk prior to game between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 01, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 01: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat celebrates after a dunk against the Denver Nuggets at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 01, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 01: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat celebrates after a dunk against the Denver Nuggets at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 01, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Nikola Jokic – A

Simply put,Jokic was Jokic. With 19 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, he was far and away the most competent and consistent Nugget on the floor today. Matched up at times against Bam Adebayo — who will be in consideration for All-Defensive team —  Jokic was able to play his game, get to his spots and score with the best of them.

Defensively he was solid but just didn’t have enough help to lead Denver to a victory

Paul Millsap – C

Millsap had his moments but ultimately he wasn’t a standout player in the Nuggets’ loss to the Heat. He scored only 8 points (on 3-9 shooting from the field) in 28 minutes of play and the Nuggets need more from him, especially when they are missing three starters. Millsap’s defense was sound and he was able to get some good stops on Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo but overall he didn’t do enough to help the Nuggets compete.