Why Nuggets’ Jamal Murray Wore Down vs. Timberwolves, According to GM Calvin Booth…
Basketball dynasties are common, making it easy to overlook the challenges of maintaining excellence in the NBA. Despite showing signs of vulnerability during the 2023-24 season and the first round of the playoffs, the Denver Nuggets were still seen as the top team in the West. However, they ultimately failed to reignite their championship form.
Jamal Murray’s inconsistent performance played a significant role in the Nuggets’ elimination by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He delivered an impressive 35 points on 13-of-27 shooting in the 98-90 Game 7 loss but was conspicuously absent in critical moments throughout the series.
Though Murray’s postseason prowess is well-known, Denver needed more from him to sustain their title hopes. Injuries likely impacted his performance, as he dealt with a calf strain and an elbow issue during the playoffs.
With the offseason beginning, the Nuggets’ front office is reflecting on how to better manage Murray’s long-term health. Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth acknowledged Murray’s uneven season, marked by various injuries, and emphasized the need to evaluate their approach to preserving their star point guard.
Booth suggests investigating how other high-usage guards have managed their health post-championship. Given Murray’s unique situation—having returned from a torn ACL that sidelined him for 18 months—this assessment is crucial. Despite the Timberwolves’ commendable effort, Booth believes the series might have ended differently if Murray had been at full strength.
“If Jamal is in shape and in condition, he’s a totally different beast,” Booth said. He noted that Murray’s fatigue showed towards the end of the playoffs, exacerbated by facing elite defender Anthony Edwards. The continuous play since last June, combined with lingering injuries, may have prevented Murray from maintaining his performance level.
Going forward, the Nuggets might consider a strategy similar to how the Miami Heat manage Jimmy Butler, reducing Murray’s regular season workload to keep him fresh for the playoffs. However, this approach has its risks, as evidenced by Kawhi Leonard’s experience with the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite playing only 59 games this past season, Murray still encountered late-season issues.
Murray’s impressive stats—21.2 points per game on 48.1% shooting and 42.5% from three-point range, along with 6.5 assists and 4.1 rebounds—made his decline unexpected. Therefore, a drastic change in managing him might not be necessary. Instead, the Nuggets could rely more on Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. to shoulder the offensive load, allowing Murray to pick his moments.
Murray, still seeking his first All-Star selection, is unlikely to prioritize personal accolades over team success. Micromanaging his health may not be an immediate priority. The team hopes that this year’s playoff disappointment will lead to a revitalized Murray and a stronger Nuggets squad in 2025.
Ultimately, the Nuggets must optimize this longer-than-expected offseason, possibly tweaking the roster around their core to ensure a better outcome next season.
Leave a Reply