Jamal Murray led the Denver Nuggets to a convincing 125-107 win over the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of the Western Conference playoffs. Murray scored 34 points and made six 3-pointers, including two in just 28 seconds during the fourth quarter to halt a Suns’ comeback. Murray’s performance reminded everyone that the Nuggets are the top seed in the Western Conference and can be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs.
‘Playoff Jamal Murray’ Continues to Impress
Denver head coach Michael Malone praised Murray, saying that he “lives for this” and is a “bad man.” Murray’s performance was made even more impressive by the fact that he missed the entire 2021-22 season due to a torn ACL in his left knee. His last playoff appearance was in the Orlando bubble in 2020, where he led the Nuggets to the Western Conference finals. Murray has already scored 34 or more points in three of his six playoff games this year and has shown that he is capable of leading the Nuggets to another deep playoff run.
The Suns Look to Bounce Back in Game 2
The Suns will need to find a way to slow down Murray and keep up with the Nuggets from behind the arc in Game 2. Denver made nine more 3-pointers than Phoenix and took 14 more attempts. Suns coach Monty Williams acknowledged that Murray was unstoppable at times and that they will need to make some adjustments to their defensive scheme in order to keep him from getting the ball or get the ball out of his hands. The Suns will also need to improve their shooting from beyond the arc in order to have a chance at winning Game 2.
Overall, the Nuggets proved that they are a team to be feared in the playoffs and will be looking to continue their dominance in Game 2. Murray and the rest of the team will need to stay focused and continue to play with intensity if they hope to advance to the next round of the playoffs.
Leave a Reply