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NBA Playoffs: Six X-factors for Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz

By Corey Rausch

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 08: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz fouls Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 08, 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 08: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz fouls Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 08, 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) /
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Utah Jazz, Denver Nuggets, NBA playoffs (Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images)
Utah Jazz, Denver Nuggets, NBA playoffs (Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images) /

Jerami Grant

When the Nuggets brought Jerami Grant in last offseason it was met with many shrugs. People did not pay attention to the subtle impact that Grant had in Oklahoma City and that impact has carried over to the Nuggets this season.

He is averaging a solid 12.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists on .478/389/.750 shooting splits. The 3-point shooting is the most important number here, as it is in most scenarios. The passing of Nikola Jokic needs to be capitalized on if they are going to win games and any limitations to Will Barton and Gary Harris gives the team pause in that regard.

light. Related Story. Our NBA bubble awards: Crowning the winners

He has mostly come off the bench for the team but with a limited roster comes increased opportunities. Grant has improved his number to 15.6 points even as his 3-point shooting has dropped in the bubble.

The bulk of Grant’s offensive game is cutting to the basket for either a jump shot, drive or layup. He will feast off the smart passes from the top three players on this team any time he shares the court with them. In fact, of the 33 assisted baskets made for him in the bubble 19 has been from Jokic, Murray or Porter.