The Big Decision: Why Denver Invested in Jamal Murray
When the Denver Nuggets committed to a four-year, $208 million contract extension with Jamal Murray over the summer, many observers were skeptical. Coming off one of the most challenging stretches of his eight-year career, which included a disappointing playoff run and a lackluster performance with Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the move seemed risky. However, the Nuggets’ faith in Murray was not misplaced. His recent 55-point outburst in a 132-121 win over the Trail Blazers is a testament to his extraordinary talent and resilience. This performance not only set a new career high but also broke the record for the most points scored by a Canadian, surpassing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 54-point game last month. Murray’s ability to shine in the pick-and-roll, his precision in pull-up 3-pointers, and his versatility in scoring from various positions are just a few reasons why the Nuggets are confident in their investment.
Murray’s Dynamic Partnership with Jokić
Murray’s partnership with Nikola Jokić is arguably one of the most picturesque and prolific in the NBA. For nearly a decade, the duo has orchestrated some of the most mesmerizing plays, whether Murray is handling the ball or receiving it after a dribble handoff. The chemistry between these two is evident in how they exploit defenses. If a defender goes under Jokić’s screen, Murray has the quick release to rise and fire from beyond the arc. If they press up, he can use his footwork and midrange game to create space and score. This dynamic duo’s ability to punish defenses inside and out is a cornerstone of Denver’s success. Murray has also developed a strong connection with newcomer Russell Westbrook, further enhancing the team’s offensive potency. He’s more comfortable attacking off the ball, converting 39.7% of his catch-and-shoot triples and scoring more points per play off off-ball screens than he has in years.
Murray’s Resurgence: A Statistical Turnaround
The Nuggets’ head coach, Michael Malone, succinctly captured the team’s rise and Murray’s resurgence by dividing the season into two distinct phases: before and after December 8. Before this date, Murray was averaging 17.8 points per game on 42/33/80 shooting splits, and the Nuggets had a mediocre 12-10 record. However, since December 8, Murray has averaged 22.8 points on 50/40/92 shooting splits, along with 6 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. Denver’s performance has mirrored Murray’s improvement, with the team going 24-9 and more than tripling its net rating to +8.3. This significant statistical turnaround not only highlights Murray’s impact but also underscores the importance of his health and confidence. His shooting efficiency on drives to the rim has improved by over 10 points, and he’s taking and making more pull-up jumpers and performing better in transition.
The Most Efficient Offense in the West
With Jokić and Murray on the floor, the Nuggets boast an incredible offensive rating of 130.3 outside of garbage time, according to Cleaning the Glass. To put that in perspective, the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have the best offense in the NBA this season and one of the best of the last half-century, have an offensive rating of 123.9. Denver’s ability to outscore opponents by 11.3 points per 100 possessions in these minutes is a stark reminder of the dominance they’ve achieved. This performance since early December has placed the Nuggets second in the Western Conference in terms of record and net rating, trailing Oklahoma City only by a slim margin. With Memphis falling to the Clippers on Wednesday, the Nuggets are now just a half-game out of second place, and they have one of the most favorable remaining schedules in the conference, according to Positive Residual.
The Pressure to Succeed
The Nuggets are acutely aware of the stakes. With nearly $200 million in guaranteed salary on the books for next season, this iteration of the team may be their best shot at sustained success. Forward Michael Porter Jr. succinctly expressed this sentiment: "If we don’t win it this year, we all know they might have to break it up." This statement underscores the urgency and pressure the Nuggets face. The window for this team to contend for a championship is narrowing, and the current generation of players, led by Murray and Jokić, understands the gravity of the situation. The Nuggets’ investment in Murray is not just about his individual brilliance but also about the collective potential of this roster.
A Puncher’s Chance: The Nuggets’ Future
Whether the Nuggets can break down the barriers to a championship this season remains to be seen. However, with Murray playing at this elite level, the team has a formidable chance. His resurgence has not only bolstered the offense but also injected a renewed sense of confidence into the entire organization. The Nuggets will face stiff competition from teams like the Grizzlies, Rockets, and potentially the Lakers, but their path to the No. 2 seed is within reach. A second-place finish would provide home-court advantage in every playoff series except against Oklahoma City. As the season progresses, the Nuggets’ focus will be on maximizing their potential and ensuring that their investment in Murray and the current roster pays off in the most meaningful way possible. With the team’s chemistry and Murray’s current form, the Nuggets are poised to make a deep playoff run and give themselves a fighting chance for the title.
