Jamal Murray will be matched up with Ricky Rubio.
Last time the Nuggets played the Jazz, Ricky Rubio took advantage of the fact Jamal Murray was learning a new position. Murray was virtually ineffective the entire game while Rubio kept setting up his teammates.
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Rubio was running a muck over the Nuggets’ defense and it cost them in the long run. Denver blew a huge lead in the fourth quarter and the Jazz won the first regular season game of the year.
Murray will get another shot at Rubio in this game. This time, Murray has experience running the point.
Not to mention, he has a string of nice scoring performances under his belt this season. Therefore, Rubio must be more cautious this time.
Rubio is one of the more underappreciated assists men in the entire NBA. Murray must not overlook him.
If Denver underestimates his passing prowess, they will succumb to open jump shooters all night. Rubio is also a very improved shooter compared to earlier in his career. Rubio is a poor man’s Rajon Rondo in a way, so Murray will have his work cut out for him defensively.
Murray must be ready to attack on the offensive end. Rubio’s weak point has always been his defense. As a result, Jamal needs to recognize and be confident in his ability to score. Murray has already he can score in bunches, now he must do it consistently.
Whoever has the better offensive game may actually dictate the outcome of this game. Therefore, Murray is going to be the X factor for the Denver Nuggets.
They know Nikola Jokic will get his numbers, but Utah will look to shut down the other players. Someone else must step up and Murray will play a key part in this game.
Next: Game Preview: Nuggets at Jazz
The Ricky Rubio vs. Jamal Murray match up will be something to keep an eye on.