The Denver Nuggets have had a rocky start to the season, to say the least. But one of the bigger bright spots has been the great play from Jamal Murray. He's been on fire from beyond the arc over the past three games, and he could just be ready to have his second All-NBA season if he keeps playing with the intensity he's delivered,
Murray, who's shockingly leading the league in minutes played per game, was 4-for-8 from beyond the arc in the 104-91 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. He led the team in minutes, playing 38 again, and he finished the game with a team-high 23 points. His 6 assists trailed only Nikola Jokic's 10, and Murray even chipped in on defense with two blocks. His ball control was on point, and he committed just one turnover.
Murray has been what the Nuggets need him to be the past three games
Murray put up a clunker of 6 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the season opener, but nobody played well on offense in that game. However, the past three games have been what will get Murray back to the All-Star Game and All-NBA status.
Murray scored 42 points against the Pelicans two games ago when the Nuggets stormed back from 23 points down to secure the victory in overtime, and he's up to 22.5 per game now on the season. He's been the most consistent three-point shooter by a mile, hitting 47.1% of his shots from downtown. And he's been getting downhill and finishing on drives in the paint. His offense is back on point.
But the even more encouraging sign has been Murray's effort on the defensive end. He's playing much better than he has in the past, and his effort at helping to slow drives against the Pelicans helped Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon to hold the Pelicans to just 48 points in the paint, a stark difference from the 70 points in the paint the Nuggets allowed the first time they played the Pels.
Murray may have to continue to play a lot of minutes
Murray needs to continue his high-level play and his high minutes because his backup, Tyus Jones, just hasn't been great in the backup point guard spot. Jones did have 5 points against the Pelicans, but only 1 assist, and he just hasn't looked very comfortable running the point guard position since the games became real and the preseason ended.
It's not ideal for Murray to play so much, but the Nuggets can't afford to take him out of the games as long as they refuse to admit that Jones isn't the backup point guard answer.
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