Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray responded to recent criticism of his performances with a stunning 50-point game in his team’s crushing win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was a match Nuggets had to win and a match the Canadian was warned he had to perform in.
The pre-game NBA betting had Denver as favourites to secure victory over Cleveland but they deserve credit for how they grabbed an important result. It was a welcome return to the kind of play Nuggets are capable of following a recent sticky spell but there was no denying who the standout player on the court was.
“Jamal Murray” by Gregory Payan is licensed under CC BY 3.0
Murray grabs the headlines
23-year-old Ontario-born Murray entered the game suffering a dip in form. Coach Michael Malone warned the player he must be more ruthless in attack. He wanted the 6ft 3inch Jamal to show more of his true potential and be brave enough to take on open shots rather than pass to a teammate.
It was a challenge to be more responsible, both as a player and as a member of the team. It was a task he passed with flying colours showing exactly what he is capable of when in the mood. He may not boast the consistency of a top player just yet, but pundits know there’s a star in there. Jamal has the qualities needed to go on and carve out a successful career. An NBA All-Rookie Second Team 2017 was his biggest achievement until Friday, but that was all to change.
Murray set a personal best 50 points in a regular-season match, smashing his previous efforts. Not only was it the best scoring record we’ve seen from Jamal, but it was also the best any player has ever produced in NBA history. He entered the game needing a performance to repay those who had put their faith in his quality. He came out of the match a record-breaker.
What’s all the fuss about?
Other players have scored 50-point games in the past. So, what was all the fuss about? Murray’s scoring record made him the first player to break the half-century without having to rely on a free throw. That’s quite something and many basketball lovers believe it could be some time before we see that feat matched in the NBA.
Match stats showed Murray was 21-25 from the field and bolstered his numbers by nailing a jaw-dropping 8-10 from the three-point line.
Incredibly, despite cementing his name in the sport’s history books the amazing achievement was news to Murray who only found out about the record during a post-match interview. It may have come as a shock to some, but the star of the show seemed unfazed by it all.
Speaking to the waiting press Jamal admitted breaking records had never entered his thoughts during the game and he was. Instead, he was concentrating on getting into attacking areas of the court, receiving the ball, and making it count. He played like a man determined to make a point and can take pride in his performance. Murray did admit it is cool to claim such an important stat.
Denver take confidence from Hawks poor form
Fans of Denver now hope the performance against Cleveland is a sign of things to come. The start of fresh enthusiasm and confidence in the locker room as we enter a busy period. That win helped snap a two-game losing streak for the Nuggets and sets them up nicely for their only trip of the campaign to Atlanta where they face the Hawks.
Victory in that road trip would ensure they get even on the four-game tour of the East Coast. Two from four isn’t what the coaching staff or fans had in mind, but it certainly isn’t the worst set of results, all things considered. Denver are re-energised after that win against the Cavaliers and take heart from the fact Hawks are stumbling through a dreadful run of form, losing five of their last six games before Nuggets come calling.
Last season’s head-to-head ended even with each team winning their match on the road. That’s another reason for those loyal to the away team to believe.
