Hoops Habit
Fansided

What to watch for from every NBA team in the second half

By Daniel Lubofsky

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against Kyrie Irving #11 during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 23, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against Kyrie Irving #11 during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 23, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 31
Next
(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Denver Nuggets: Jamal Murray’s budding stardom

It hasn’t been the breakout season many expected from Jamal Murray after his stellar playoff run and max contract extension, but it’s a level of play that could be on the way very soon.

Following a 10-game absence due to an ankle injury, Murray went into the All-Star break not wanting to stop, posting February averages of 29.0 points and 6.2 assists per game with a staggering true shooting percentage of 67.9.

The Denver Nuggets might be second in the Western Conference at 38-17, but few are taking them seriously as a contender with a roster devoid of star power outside Nikola Jokic.

As he showed in the 2019 postseason, Murray has the potential to elevate the Nuggets to another level. He’s also just about the only player on the roster capable of doing so.

The Western Conference playoff picture looks to be another blood bath this year, where Denver’s fate might not have as much to do with its level of play as the level of the teams it matches up against that are simply better.

Murray might not have the capability to swing that type of series, but if he continues this level of elite production, it will be worth tuning into to find out.