Part of Nikola Jokic‘s rise to being an MVP finalist has been his ability to adjust to different teammates, writes Mike Singer of The Denver Post. A string of roster moves and injuries, most notably to Jamal Murray, have shaken up the Nuggets‘ lineup throughout the season, but Jokic’s production hasn’t fallen.
Singer notes that Denver’s starters for tonight’s Game 1 of the playoff series with Portland will likely be Jokic, Michael Porter Jr., Facundo Campazzo, Aaron Gordon, and Austin Rivers. Porter is in his first year as a full-time starter, Campazzo is a rookie who has made 19 NBA starts, Gordon has been with the team for 25 games following a midseason trade, and Rivers has played 15 games after signing with the Nuggets last month.
“The attention that (Jokic) draws, being able to do so many things, not just score the ball, but pass and the way he passes and makes plays so easy for his teammates, makes him so unique to play with,” two-way guard Markus Howard said. “… Just the attention that he brings from opposing defenses, and his ability to be creative with the pass, is unlike anybody I’ve ever played with.”
There’s more on the Nuggets:
- After a decade as an NBA starter, Paul Millsap has adjusted to a reserve role since the trade for Gordon, as Kyle Fredrickson of The Denver Post writes. The 36-year-old power forward is trying to lead by example and make the best of his new responsibilities. “There are challenges that come with it,” Millsap said. “I want to compete. I want to play every single minute during a game. But that’s not possible and that’s what you have a team for. I’ve always been a guy (to do) whatever the team needs.”
- Rivers is suffering from a non-COVID related illness, but the Nuggets are optimistic he will be able to play tonight, Singer tweets. He is officially listed as questionable.
- Will Barton is hoping to be able to play in this series, but it won’t happen in Game 1, according to Clevis Murray of NBC Sports Northwest. Barton has been ruled out for tonight because of the strained hamstring that has sidelined him since April 23. PJ Dozier also remains out with a right adductor strain. “I think Will is definitely closer (to returning) than PJ,” coach Michael Malone said.
Denver should definitely have the upper hand if they are starting 6 guys tonight
Never mind misread that lol
Aaron Gordon looked like he was going to be good a few years ago, what happened?
After being traded to Denver he looks even worse now. Eric is the better Gordon.
It might be impossible to pair with MPJ, and Jokic is looking to score too.
Kevin is the best Porter?
Denver have been my favourite team all season but they look outmatched this series. Early days I know but they really miss Barton and Dozier. Should be interesting to see how this develops.
A fully healthy Nuggets team is a championship contender but the team as it currently is has little chance if winning this series. The loss of Jamal and Will too significant. That said, I do think Denver can be more competitive than they showed last night. But overall, a bad matchup with the Blazers.
Nuggets are playing with a backcourt full of guys who borderline to even be in the league. Only Campazzo should even be on the team, let alone in the rotation. Of the six guys they started the season with, they traded two to the Magic (didn’t get any in return) and then lost Murray, Morris and Dozier. Jokic’s greatness can’t mask this forever.