When the Denver Nuggets made the decision this summer to extend Jamal Murray’s contract for four years at $208 million, many questioned the move. However, Murray’s outstanding performance in Wednesday’s game against the Trail Blazers, where he scored a career-high 55 points on 20-for-36 shooting, proved why he is worth every penny.
Not only can Murray deliver remarkable performances like this one, but he also complements Nikola Jokić exceptionally well on the court. Their dynamic partnership has been instrumental in the Nuggets’ success in recent seasons. Murray’s ability to excel in the two-man game, whether creating his own shots or working in tandem with Jokić, sets him apart as a top player in the league. His versatility in shooting, driving to the rim, and moving off the ball makes him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Murray’s resurgence comes after a challenging period, including a disappointing playoff run, underwhelming performance at the Olympics, and a slow start to the current season. However, his recent stellar showing reaffirms his importance to the Nuggets’ quest for a championship.
Under the leadership of head coach Michael Ma, the Nuggets are poised to make a strong push towards fulfilling their championship aspirations with Murray leading the charge.
Coach Malone expressed his thoughts to the media following the victory on Wednesday. He highlighted the significant improvement in Jamal Murray’s performance since December 8, urging journalists to take note of Murray’s impressive stats during this period. Malone’s observation is spot-on. Before December 8, Murray was averaging 17.8 points per game with shooting percentages of 42/33/80. The team’s record was 12-10, despite Nikola Jokić’s standout performances, with a marginal point difference of 2.7 per 100 possessions in favor of the Nuggets.
However, post-December 8, Murray’s numbers have soared, now averaging 22.8 points per game on shooting splits of 50/40/92. In addition to his scoring, Murray is contributing 6 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. The Nuggets have significantly improved to a record of 24-9 during this period, with a net rating of +8.3, more than triple their earlier performance.
Murray’s recent performance mirrors his impressive play in previous seasons, reinforcing his importance to the team. Despite some initial struggles this season, Murray has regained his form and confidence, evident in his improved shooting percentages and overall impact on the court.
The Nuggets have benefited greatly from Murray’s resurgence, with a standout offensive rating when he and Jokić are on the court together. Denver’s strong performance places them as one of the top teams in the Western Conference since early December, positioning them well for a higher playoff seed. The team’s potential for securing a favorable playoff position is promising, with projections giving them a solid chance of claiming the second seed.
As they strive to maintain their position in the standings, the Nuggets face competition from other Western Conference teams, but the opportunity for a successful playoff run is within reach. With key players performing at a high level and a favorable schedule ahead, Denver has a strong foundation to build upon for the remainder of the season and beyond.
“Its last,” said forward Michael Porter Jr. to Shelburne back in October, “If we don’t win it this year, we all know they might have to break it up.” The most effective strategy to prevent that breakup is by dismantling anyone and everyone who opposes your path. Whether the Nuggets can accomplish this remains uncertain. However, with Murray performing at this caliber, they possess a formidable chance at success.
