Matt Moore here, the host of the daily Locked On Nuggets podcast, with your daily Locked On Nuggets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Nuggets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Five Jamal Murray Thoughts In A Moment Of Fan Crisis
Nov 10, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) collides into Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) in the first quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images|Ron Chenoy/Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
In the wake of the Nuggets’ two-game losing streak without Nikola Jokic in which Jamal Murray averaged fewer than 15 points per game, shot worse than 40% from the field and 30% from 3, it’s time to talk about Murray. Here are five quick thoughtson what’s going on with Denver.
We broke down the two disaster games and where the fanbase is at on our latest episode.
1. The Good Doesn’t Erase The Bad: I think it’s important to start by remembering that Murray is more than his last two games, his start to this season, or the last six months which were so disappointing. Murray is still the player who dropped multiple 50-point performances in the Bubble, who averaged 30 on 50-40-90 vs. the Lakers in the WCF and dropped a 30-point triple-double alongside Jokic. He may not be able to play like that player anymore— that’s a separate question — but do not throw out what he’s meant to the franchise... or Jokic.
2. Goodwill Only Extends So Far: The Nuggets didn’t sign Murray to a long-term max extension based on what happened in 2023. It came with the idea that he could be a franchise point guard in the regular season and a playoff killer.
3. Murray’s Doing Good Things, Just Not The Right Ones: Murray’s defense this season? Actually pretty good! Not hugely impactful but a net positive. He’s been a good playmaker, and continues to look like his long-term upside rests as a playmaker and floor general. He’s deferred and looked for Michael Porter Jr. Except, that’s not why the Nuggets paid him. They paid him to score at a high level, and that’s what Denver needs right now, an explosive scorer next to Jokic or to fill the gap without him.
4. He’s Clearly Not Right: Murray’s obviously not 100%. Maybe something happened and he can never get back to 2021 or 2023 levels of explosiveness. And that creates short and long-term complications. But it also puts Murray in a trap. If he doesn’t play, he’s letting the team down by not being available while Jokic plays through everything. If he does play, he doesn’t play well and lets down Jokic. It’s a no-win for him, but one that should be dealt with rationally by resting him.
5. Never Expect: Murray is an absolute master of subverting expectations When you think he’s cooked, he delivers. When you think he’s primed for a huge season or performance, he drifts. He’s not a player you can really predict, and I won’t be surprised if has better games ahead.
The Sixers are no longer just bad, they’re cornered
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center|Photo by Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Look, I held off as long as I could, told myself it was only an awkward start. I looked to silver linings, to the tendency that things going wrong for this long tend to right themselves. I looked to the surrounding conditions for clues and when none revealed themselves, I decided to stay positive but now, it’s time: time to talk about the Philadelphia 76ers.
Beyond what Sixers fans know intimately and don’t need reiterated (things are bad), the mood around the franchise is starting to feel closer to cornered than merely frustrated. Last night, after a third quarter collapse against the Heat in Miami, the Sixers held a postgame meeting that lasted over an hour. The game already had a bizarre feel to it, Philly led by 19 before being down 20, and Joel Embiid went from being listed as doubtful to starting. No one on the Sixers roster looked especially comfortable, a trend that’s emerged throughout the team’s first full month of regular season play.
Slipping now to the bottom of the Eastern Conference, with a record of 2-11 I still feel the need to double check as I write this, one thing has become abundantly clear — the Sixers don’t have room to hedge.
There’s no scapegoat to pin the team’s shoddy performance on, not this early in the season. Even when healthy, and Embiid, George and Maxey are on the floor together, it’s been for naught. Both the teams wins came in arduous overtime, one without George and both without Embiid. The Sixers win against the Hornets was missing Maxey completely.
Here’s a problem I’ve wondered about since Daryl Morey landed George in what was declared an undisputed win for the franchise and the best move of the offseason — what about Philadelphia’s role players? To clear the books for cap space enough to sign George, Daryl Morey liquidated the team’s working roster — 13 of the team’s 15 man squad became free agents. Tobias Harrias and Nicolas Batum may not be spring chickens in NBA terms, but they provided the mechanical support the Sixers are now woefully lacking. This isn’t the Sixers only problem, that much has been made clear, but it’s a big one.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Biz Former NBA stars Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady are looking to buy a minority stake in the NFL’s Buffalo Bills (CityTV)
Must Read Knicks forward OG Anunoby says he’s tired of being known for his defensive prowess. (The Athletic, subscription required)
Analysis The Denver Nuggets are struggling without Nikola Jokic, and it shows. His absence leaves a significant void, making it tough for the team to find its rhythm. Take a look at the full analysis. (Denver Stiffs)
Preview The Grizzlies will take on the Nuggets in a clash at the FedExForum in Memphis at 8:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
3peat (ICYMI)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Nuggets podcasts.
The Nuggets Without Jokic Might Not Be Good No Jinx! Matt and Ryan go in-depth on the Denver Nuggets loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. struggled, and Nikola Jokic missed his second game in a row. Are the Nuggets a bad team without Jokic? Does that even matter when he plays as much as he does? Matt and Ryan discuss.
Who Steps Up Without Nikola Jokic? | How To Solve Rim Protection Nikola Jokic is reportedly OUT tonight for personal reasons. Who steps up? How do the Nuggets solve their rim protection issues? Let’s preview the Memphis matchups!
Breaking down Denver Nuggets odds for the NBA Cup Swipa and Ryan share their thoughts on the NBA Cup so far and preview the Denver Nuggets first Cup game of the season against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. They go over the great basketball being played so far (in the Western Conference). Then, they discuss Michael Malone having an opportunity to set the franchise record for wins with the Denver Nuggets.
