It sure seemed like the Nuggets weren't interested in the first half and only the third quarter showed any serious effort from the starters and only the fourth quarter showed serious effort from the bench. They just can't keep playing like that all the time. They need to be engaged in every quarter - then bad quarters won't cost so much.
Allowing a player like Diallo to come off the bench for 22 points & 6 rebounds is not good, not good at all. In fact, the Phoenix bench scored 50 points to 35 for the Nuggets' bench.
Barton played another game with a hot streak and a cold streak but he is definitely more engaged on defense and is trying to fit in the offensive scheme. Fortunately for him, the team needs him to score
and when he heads to the basket, that's the only thing he can see.
Jokic didn't really look to score but he did get 13 rebounds. Not a great game for him and that's sad, considering Phoenix was missing the 1st & 2nd string centers.
Millsap has been impressive this year and had another solid all-around game.
Harris is still struggling. He had 6 points and 1 rebound. He had primary coverage of Booker and did a fine job but he still needs to score.
Murray added 7 boards to his 22 points - nice!
Grant didn't have a great stat-line but I love his effort at both ends of the floor.
Plumlee had a solid all-around game.
Morris was great - better even than his nice stat-line.
When he was playing, I focused on Beasley, especially on the defensive end. He kept his head on a swivel and looked to help and switch. If Malone has kept in on the bench because of his defense, it seems the message got through.
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