DENVER — Emmanuel Mudiay nitpicked his performance even after hitting two big free throws in the closing seconds and blocking a critical shot.
"I'm my hardest critic," the Denver Nuggets rookie said, quickly pointing out that he missed two early free throws and had two turnovers.
But this was exactly what the Nuggets envisioned when they took him with the No. 7 pick overall. Mudiay had 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, two blocks and those clinching free throws in a 108-104 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.
"He grew up tonight," Nuggets coach Michael Malone said.