The sports world was stunned as the battle of MVP candidates ended in misery for the reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets got blown out in Game 7 and exited the Playoffs after a 32-point loss to the Thunder. Among the concerning elements for the 2023 NBA champions was Jamal Murray’s inconsistent performance, along with Aaron Gordon’s injury. Colin Cowherd had had enough of this inconsistency from Murray. He went on his podcast after the game ended to suggest that the Nuggets look to move on from him.
On his initial impressions of the game point to Murray’s inconsistency, Cowherd said, “A stinker in game seven at OKC, which I kind of had a vibe. In fact, I’m surprised it went seven. Gordon’s injury, even in the winning games, I felt like Jokic was just running out of gas. Jamal Murray provided very little…I felt like you know they play their a** off early, but you know from Caruso on Jokic, to Murray’s absence. Cason Wallace is hitting shots… It’s not going to be their day.”
He further added, “I will say this, Oklahoma City was favored…I thought it would be a really good series. I do think you, kind of, have to sort of, I mean, Christian Braun played a lot better, I think you do have to examine Jamal Murray. I just think in too many big games he has injuries in, too many big games, Jason. I just don’t I just don’t feel like I’m getting… He was never hyper athletic anyway.. I think it’s time to shuffle the deck. I think I would if it was me, I would keep Gordon, Brown for his energy, I would keep Jokic, obviously. I’d move anything else I’d take any call.”
Can We Really Blame Jamal Murray?
With Murray, health was not the most concerning factor, as even with the flu, he was able to have a stellar game in Game 6. However, it seemed like his health finally caught up with him. Murray struggled in Game 7 with only 13 points in 16 shot attempts. As the second option on a championship-contending team, a game like this was not an option for Murray.
In three of the Nuggets’ four losses in this series, Murray scored below 20 points with an inefficient offensive output. He shot 4 of 9 in Game 2 with 16 points, 5 of 15 in Game 4 with 17 points, and 6 of 16 in Game 7. It shows how crucial a Jamal Murray masterclass is for the Nuggets to succeed. Murray struggled with the flu in Game 6 and still managed to drop 25 points to force a Game 7.
While Murray cannot be single-handedly blamed, the Nuggets’ next move depends on whether the front office decides to break up their core and rebuild around Jokic once again. Michael Porter Jr, who struggled with a shoulder injury throughout the series, is more likely to be moved than Jamal Murray. But the core trio of Jokic, Murray, and Porter Jr will need some serious inspection in the offseason. Since Jokic believes the Nuggets cannot win another championship with the same approach, maybe the front office will look to move both Porter Jr and Murray to get Jokic a more reliable point guard, like potentially Trae Young or Ja Morant.
