The Denver Nuggets, riding a three-game winning streak, are confident that Jamal Murray is back to his best as they head to Portland to face the Trail Blazers on Thursday night.
While Nikola Jokic continues to strengthen his MVP case with another dominant season, the Nuggets need contributions from others to climb the Western Conference standings. Murray stepped up in Denver’s thrilling 130-129 road victory over the Sacramento Kings on Monday, scoring 15 of his team-high and season-high-tying 28 points in the seesawing fourth quarter.
The Nuggets saw their early 44-21 lead in the second quarter evaporate, trailing 119-109 with 4:10 left in regulation. Murray then took over, hitting the go-ahead jumper with 8.6 seconds remaining to seal the win. Despite lower averages this season with 18.4 points and a 42.5 percent shooting clip, Denver coach Michael Malone believes Murray turned a corner in Sacramento.
Jokic recorded his NBA-best 10th triple-double of the season against the Kings, with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists. Russell Westbrook, filling in for injured guard Christian Braun (lower back spasms), nearly achieved a triple-double himself, finishing one rebound shy of the mark.
The all-round capabilities of Jokic, Murray, and Westbrook present a significant challenge for the Trail Blazers, who have lost six straight games, including a 116-109 road loss to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. Center Deandre Ayton, who missed the game due to illness, is listed as day-to-day after practicing on Tuesday.
Rookie Donovan Clingan started in Ayton’s place, while reserve small forward Deni Avdija filled in at the pivot against Phoenix, scoring 17 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Portland coach Chauncey Billups praised Avdija’s performance in the unfamiliar role.
Handling Jokic in the middle is one of the toughest tasks in basketball, and the Trail Blazers will need to step up their interior defense to compete with the Nuggets on Thursday.
