Denver Nuggets: Who must step up vs. Bucks

The Denver Nuggets will take on the Milwaukee Bucks and there is one player who has to have a solid performance.

That player for the Denver Nuggets would be Jamal Murray.

Despite having a career high 48 point game a few nights ago against the Boston Celtics, the young combo guard has been relatively streaky to start the season.

So far, Murray is averaging 18.3 points per game on a below average 43.9% shooting from the field. He is also averaging a career high usage rate of 24.1% which could be a factor in his relatively streaky shooting.

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Not to mention, Jamal is also averaging an offensive rating of 110 which is not too bad, but still a bit of a step back from last season when he finished the year averaging an offensive rating of 112. Let’s not forget his struggles from 3 point territory as he is only shooting 29.5% from the perimeter so far this year.

While this dip in efficient production is a little concerning, there is still hope. Do not forget, last season, Jamal had a bit of a stretch at the beginning of the year where he was a bit inconsistent as well.

Over time, he found his footing and providing a solid sophomore campaign for the Denver Nuggets. This game against the Bucks is a perfect opportunity for him to get back in stride.

He will be matched up with Eric Bledsoe who is certainly not a pushover in any stretch of the imagination despite averaging 14 points per game so far this season, which is his lowest total since the 2012-13 season.

Bledsoe is an athletic point guard who can silently fill the stat sheet. He will present a great challenge for Jamal Murray, but it would be a great confidence booster for Jamal if he can step up and get the upper hand in this battle.

Remember, the last time these teams played, Murray got a converted a key 4 point play for the win which kept Denver’s post season hopes alive last year. After all, much of Denver’s success is predicated on how well their young back court performs and as one can understand, Murray plays a vital role in this aspect of the offense.

Murray shot only 35.7% from the field and Gary Harris failed to crack double figures in points which resulted in a loss in Denver’s last game. As one can see, when Murray plays inefficiently along with Harris, it normally doesn’t go well.

He has to be the one to step up against the Bucks, otherwise, things could get ugly for the Nuggets.