Denver Nuggets: Breaking down Jamal Murray’s post game

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray provided a new look in the third quarter of Monday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Denver Nuggets‘ reserves just missed toppling the Los Angeles Lakers’ starters Monday night, as a late Kyle Kuzma 3-pointer buried the Nuggets in an unconvincing 124-121 fashion, narrowly besting a lineup featuring Denver’s second and third-unit players down the stretch.

Before leaving the game for good late in the third quarter, Jamal Murray flashed what’s either an underutilized strategy for the Denver Nuggets or a skill acquired over the league’s COVID-induced suspension – a smooth, effective post-up game.

Part-Hakeem Olajuwon, part-Chauncey Billups, Murray controlled the third quarter in the post, scoring 10 points in less than nine minutes and helping the Nuggets finish plus-4 in his segment before head coach Mike Malone subbed him out for good.

Murray began early in the third quarter, hitting a fadeaway jumper over ace defender Danny Green at the 11:44 mark and helping Denver open the second half with a bucket. Moments later, Murray faced Green back-to-the-basket again and maneuvered around him a second time for the easy layup.

https://twitter.com/nuggets/status/1293016557166030848

At the 7:17 mark, Murray again posted Green, this time spinning to his right and hitting a tough fadeaway jumper near the corner. The result? Timeout Lakers.

Let’s break down Murray’s stellar third quarter Monday to determine his match-up with Los Angeles, and the possibility of more post-ups this season:

Matchup vs. Danny Green:

While it’d be premature to ride Murray’s post-game a significant distance, a larger point involves the Murray-vs-Green matchup in a potential playoff series, as Green will likely be Murray’s primary defender.

Green has appeared in multiple NBA Finals and is known to be a lock-down stopper who shadows top opposing guards. Not only did Murray completely torch Green in the third quarter, the Lakers were forced to call a timeout and switch the matchup, assigning the taller but slower-footed Kyle Kuzma to guard Murray.

Because Los Angeles is without Avery Bradley, the Lakers will encounter serious Murray problems if Green proves unable to contain him. Kuzma may stop Murray’s little-used post-game, but he won’t have the quickness or agility to cover Murray for longer stretches.

If the 6’4” Murray’s post-up game bothers the 6’6” Green to the extent it appeared to Monday, the Nuggets should utilize this more frequently. If Green is forced off Murray, this opens options for Murray and teammates alike, as the Lakers will suddenly be out of their comfort-zone defensively.

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The tools are present:

Murray doesn’t frequently utilize the post-game, as he primarily runs pick-and-rolls with Nikola Jokic or looks to pull mid-range jumpers. Yet a deeper glance shows Murray should explore this, as he has the tools necessary to become effective in the post.

Murray noticeably bulked up during the COVID suspension, which helps him take contact and finish near the basket. This works in tandem with his sneaky athleticism to provide a significant advantage near the hoop – he can either straight-up bully other point guards, or gain the step and score through contact.

Additionally, Murray’s smooth step-back jumper is tailor-made for this post style, as he often seeks mid-range jumpers off the dribble anyway. He’s very effective from this range, as he’s shooting 47.2 percent from 10-to-16 feet this season.

Russell Westbrook is a superstar example who effectively posts opposing point guards, but his mid-range jumper is nowhere near Murray’s level. Westbrook is shooting just 40.6 percent from 10-16 feet this season and a lousy 36.0 percent from 3-10 feet.

The personnel is favorable:

As Gary Harris and Will Barton have yet to participate in Orlando games, it’s increasingly likely Denver’s recent lineup of Jamal Murray, Torrey Craig, Michael Porter Jr., Paul Millsap and Nikola Jokic will start postseason games.

In this scenario, Murray will often draw the smallest defender, considering the size and offensive-rebounding threats surrounding him.

Jokic is among the league’s elite passers (7.0 assists per game), and constantly facilitates easy buckets for Denver Nuggets attackers, especially those with a height advantage on the block. Porter, Millsap, and Jerami Grant are frequent beneficiaries of this.

Jamal Murray should join this attack, considering he’ll have a) the smallest defender covering him, and b) an elite facilitator delivering the ball. This lineup is built perfectly for a post-up point guard, and Murray can accumulate easy buckets when occasionally employing this style.