How concerned should the Nuggets be after Jamal Murray’s DISMAL Game 1 performance?
One second-half point. Open threes passed up. A two-man game that never found its rhythm. Jamal Murray’s season opener left Zach Bye and Phillip Lindsay with serious questions about what Denver needs from its star guard.
On The Drive, the guys break down Murray’s six-point performance on 2-for-11 shooting and discuss why his hesitation bothered them beyond the missed shots. With Cam Johnson going down, Denver needed Murray to help pick up the slack—but Zach questions his engagement and willingness to shoot.
The conversation also examines Murray’s struggles against athletic defenses and what happens when opponents disrupt his partnership with Nikola Jokic. Phil expected their familiar two-man game to provide an answer, while Zach argues its effectiveness has been declining and points to the opener as a troubling example.
It’s only one game, and Zach acknowledges Murray could bounce back with a big scoring night. But the bigger question is whether he can consistently deliver against the high-level opponents Denver will need to beat to contend.
Nuggets fans, what concerned you most about Murray’s opener—and what needs to change to get the Jokic–Murray connection clicking again? Share your take in the comments, like the video and subscribe for more Denver sports coverage from The Drive with Zach Bye and Phillip Lindsay.
