It was another slow start for Jamal Murray (and the Denver Nuggets) to begin the 2024-25 NBA season.
In the first four games of Murray’s year, the veteran point guard averaged 18.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. Those are decent enough counting averages in a small sample size. When paired with poor shooting efficiency numbers (37.9 FG% and 35.0 3P%) and a negative plus-minus with the bench, Nuggets fans grew concerned.
Then, Murray left the fifth game of the season after a collision with Julius Randle caused him to enter concussion protocol.
In the games since, the Nuggets are undefeated, winning in blowout fashion against the Utah Jazz and in clutch fashion against the Toronto Raptors and Oklahoma City Thunder. Russell Westbrook has filled in admirably for Murray, and even though the Nuggets haven’t closed with Westbrook, the impact has been felt throughout 48 minutes.
One of the key reasons why is pace. In the last three games, the Nuggets have accumulated 28, 17, and 21 fast break points respectively. Westbrook is one reason for that leap, but another is the combination of Christian Braun, Julian Strawther, and Peyton Watson. The Nuggets have played faster, running more often, and taking advantage of their athleticism to challenge defenses earlier.
It’s a great advantage to have in Denver, especially at higher altitude. It’s also something the Nuggets haven’t done as frequently in years past. In the previous five seasons, the Nuggets rankings in PACE (a total possessions played statistic on the NBA’s website) are 29th, 27th, 20th (the year Murray missed), 24th, and 26th respectively.
Through eight games, the Nuggets are up to eighth in PACE. In the first four games of the season that Murray played, the Nuggets ranked 25th, right in line with their consistent averages. In the last three games, they rank first in the entire NBA.
Part of the reason for Denver’s slowness year-over-year is Nikola Jokic and Michael Malone. They often like to play more methodical, make smart decisions, and avoid mistakes.
But a significant chunk of it, and perhaps the most important factor, is Murray himself. He’s methodical as a player, often choosing to take his time. He rocks the defense to sleep before making a move to generate a sliver of space for a shot or a pass. It’s been a while since Murray used his athleticism and burst to overwhelm the opposition.
It’s possible that version of Murray is gone after his leg injuries. He may not be able to maintain the pace the Nuggets could reach with a constant flow of fast breaks and transition possessions.
Still, when Murray returns, he should try and speed things up. The Nuggets have the personnel to play fast. This version of the team isn’t a halfcourt group. It’s a running unit.
Murray is questionable against the Miami Heat tonight. If he plays, the Nuggets should push him to run more.
