Jamal Murray’s struggles with consistency in his shooting could be narrowing the championship window for Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets, argues Sean Keeler of The Denver Post.
Murray’s performance in Friday’s loss to the Mavericks was emblematic of his recent challenges, as he managed just 4-of-16 shooting from the field.
This dip in production is particularly concerning given the expectations placed on him after signing a $209 million contract extension in the offseason.
Compounding the issue is Murray’s subpar defensive rating, which Keeler suggests might warrant a bold move – benching him during critical moments late in games.
The urgency to address Murray’s slump is evident, as head coach Michael Malone acknowledged the situation, stating, ‘We’ve got to find a way. And I have to find a way to help to get Jamal going.’
The Nuggets’ aspirations for back-to-back championships rely heavily on Murray regaining his form as a reliable second option to Jokic. If his struggles persist, it could force the team to reevaluate its strategies and rotations in pursuit of their ultimate goal.
Northwest Notes: Kessler, Markkanen, Murray, Hartenstein https://t.co/H30nUFj6sQ pic.twitter.com/J3n8JYbhIy
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) November 24, 2024
