The Denver Nuggets were able to rally from a 21-point deficit in the fourth quarter, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 100-97 Friday night at home in the Pepsi Center.
That rally wouldn’t have been possible without Jamal Murray’s 22 points, with the young point guard shaking off a play that resulted in his nose getting bloodied to close out the game with some clutch baskets.
Murray had everything working Friday, knocking down shots at the rim, in the midrange, and scoring from the 3-point line, making shot after shot to punish the 76ers defense when they would allow him to get open. Murray had a highlight reel worthy pass to Jokic early in the fourth, whipping a no-look pass to the big guy in the post to catch Joel Embiid sleeping and set up an easy basket.
Friday night was Murray’s first double-double of the season, racking up 11 assists, showing off his improved feel for the offense. It was a nice bounce-back for Murray, who was forced into five turnovers in the previous game against Miami, his first game of the season where he had more turnovers than assists.
Murray has always had a really high ceiling due to his ability to shoot the basketball, but he hasn’t consistently shown off that touch in his career so far. This year, not only is Murray shooting the basketball well, but he’s a threat to score from all three areas on the court — at the rim, in the midrange, and from behind the 3-point line. If he continues to show an ability to set up his teammates and run the offense efficiently, the league is going to have to be put on alert for a player that will get All-Star buzz if his play continues at this level.
