David Adelman’s Thinking on Jamal Murray: Denver Star’s Hot Start Powers Nuggets

Murray’s strong opening stretch

The Nuggets have opened the season 6-4, with the NBA’s 10th-ranked offense and 21st-ranked defense through 10 games. Murray has stood out amid those team struggles, averaging 26.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists.

He is shooting 50.9% from the field and 51.3% from three-point range, the league’s best mark among players with at least 50 attempts. Murray has scored 30 or more points in five of his first 10 games.

Adelman praises his guard

The coach also described Murray as an All-Star and an all-time player, and said he had taken responsibility for the team. Adelman pointed to the guard’s efficiency and ability to contribute in different ways.

Fourth-quarter push seals win

Murray finished the Memphis game with 30 points and eight assists, and scored 17 points in the fourth quarter as the Grizzlies tried to rally. The article also reports that he had two blocks and made seven of eight field-goal attempts in the period.

Adelman called Murray Denver’s most consistent player and said he had carried the team offensively. Some Nuggets fans have argued that Murray has been more valuable than three-time MVP Nikola Jokic through the first 10 games.

Defense and team support

Murray has also drawn praise for his defense. Teammate Cameron Johnson said two weeks earlier that Murray had been bringing effort on that end and that it mattered to the team.

The article describes Murray as a likely candidate for a second straight All-Star selection. It also says Denver will need more from its supporting cast if the team is to compete for significant goals this season.