Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Top-form Jamal Murray returns in Nuggets’ win at Dallas

Jamal Murray had his top game of the season, mowing down the Wild Horses from all spots. He had 45 points on 69% shooting, creating so much separation on the scoreboard Dallas had no chance of coming back. The Nuggets were only behind for 45 seconds, and their lead grew to 31 at one point.

Murray was hindered by knee soreness in Sunday’s game against Dallas. Coach Michael Malone wanted to sit him at halftime that night but didn’t. Malone also said Sunday the knee would always be an issue and that the team can’t reach its highest level without him in top form. 

The Mavericks, minus Luka Dončić, were in trouble early, as Murray opened up on a flurry of 19 first-quarter points. He made shots from mid and long-range on the catch and dribble, plus maneuvered into the lane for two baskets.

The second quarter started with Denver up 36-21. Murray was still scorching when he checked into the frame after five minutes, scoring five of six extra shots, pushing the visitors’ lead to 71-45 at halftime. By that point, Murray racked up 32 digits, a new career high before intermission. 

Then, the Nuggets’ offense slowed to 34.8% shooting. It didn’t hurt them because the Mavericks were slow on the draw, making only one of nine treys for the third quarter. 

Naji Marshall was the lone Maverick who stayed in the game after. Murray resumed blasting coverages in the fourth quarter, which started with the Nuggets ahead by 24. 

The visitors won 118-99. They had 42 paint points, 18 on the break, 12 via second chances, 19 off turnovers and 35 from the bench. On top of that, Nikola Jokić had his 16th triple-double of the season- 10 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 helpings. It only took him three quarters.

Play of the night: Murray isolated Maxi Kleber on the left side and spun past him, finishing with the off-hand.

After the game, Murray said, “When I’m on, there’s nothing to worry about… I’ve struggled. The season is about highs and lows and about weathering storms. Just take this as a positive note and keep moving.”

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said at the postgame presser that Murray “saw what we were trying to do to him in the last game, and he took full advantage of that tonight.”

Seeing Murray’s top form was one of the best moments of the Nuggets’ season. The team doesn’t need  40 + points every game, but it does require him to get consistently get separation and down his jumper. When he’s doing it like he did against the Mavericks, the Nuggets become dangerous a team.  They have now won eight of their last 10.