The Nuggets look to continue their winning streak against the East’s Top Seed. Here’s a key matchup to watch:
It doesn’t get much better, for an NBA fan than the duel put on by Kyrie Irving and Steph Curry, Saturday. Kyrie put up monster numbers; 37 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists on 72% shooting. Steph answered with 49, 4 and 5, including, 8-for-13 from the 3-point line. The Warriors prevailed, 109-105, Curry managed 13 of those 49 in the final 1:42 to seal the game.
Denver Nuggets
It’s not too soon to expect that Jamal Murray can be an exciting part of marquee matchups like the one on Saturday. We’ve seen him perform well, head-to-head with some of the premier Point Guards in the league, including a 38-point, career high, gem against Damian Lillard and the Blazers last Monday.
Kyrie presents an interesting matchup for Jamal, who prides himself on his defensive effort. Irving is, perhaps, the premier ball-handler in the NBA. He has an uncanny ability to create a false security in his opponent before exploding to the rim or stepping back into a fluid jump shot. His form is flawless, elbows in, right hand extending along his sight line to the basket. He’s fast and strong, he’s equally adept with both hands, with the dribble and he seems to have an artist’s vision with creating plays. He has earned his spot as the top PG in the East.
Jamal will need his entire bag of tricks, the Celtics will try to run him through screens constantly to create space for Kyrie. Murray rarely lets himself be screened off the ball, he’s become quite the master at fighting over screens. He’s even shown some fire with teammates who don’t call out his screens. If, as we believe, Murray is destined for that All-Star tier he will need to be more consistent with his performances against those that have already ascended.
For the Season, Kyrie is averaging 24.8 points, 3.7 rebounds and 5 assists. Jamal’s averages are 16.3, 3.5 and 2.8 respectively. For December and January, though, Jamal is averaging 18.4 and he’s looked like he’s moving to that next level over the last 3 games.
In an unexpected turn, Jamal was disciplined for violating team rules, and was removed from the starting lineup for the Dallas game. After an uninspired first half performance, off the bench, Jamal found his stride and dropped 15 in the second half, securing the Nuggets’ victory with timely buckets. He should see a return to form and a return to the starting lineup tonight.
In their previous matchup, on December 13, the Celtics beat the Nuggets 124-118. The Nuggets took a lead into the 2nd quarter but fought from behind for the rest of the game. Kyrie put up 33 points, 7 assists and a rebound. Jamal answered with 28 points, 4 assists and 11 rebounds (which led the Nuggets). While not quite up to the caliber and drama of the Irving/Curry tilt, Murray acquitted himself well.
Next: Nuggets vs. Mavericks: Takeaways from a heated win
Jamal Murray is looking for his seat at that table. His play, of late, is comparable to those that he is looking to join. If he can consistently duel the top point guards of the league, that spot may just open up sooner than any of us expected.