Boy, where do we start with Jamal Murray? In the 2020 playoffs, Jamal Murray had a run to remember. During the Denver Nuggets’ impressive playoff burst, Murray averaged 26.5ppg, 4.8rpg, and 6apg, including two 50 point games and two forty-point games. Murray was setting records left and right and couldn’t be stopped. Murray was doing 360 layups around Rudy Gobert and even had a Michael Jordan-esque layup on LeBron James. Coming into the 2021 NBA season, everyone was expecting to see this Jamal Murray. However, Murray has had a semi slow start to the season averaging just 18.5ppg. 4apg, and 4rpg. Murray has yet to get really hot from three and hasn’t had a 40 point game yet, which is a little surprising even though we are approximately 25 games into the season.
Why isn’t Murray playing up to the level he did in the bubble?
Well, there are a number of reasons why Murray’s numbers have declined after an unbelievable playoff run. The first reason is nagging injuries. Murray has dealt with injuries all season including a shoulder contusion that kept him out two games, a sore right elbow, a knee contusion, and a sprained ankle. Many fans fail to realize how much of an effect this can actually have on a players game. Murray has been forced by injury to play at 75%, his game will be affected. The second reason why Murray isn’t playing like he did in the bubble is simply because of the large number of minutes he played in the playoffs mixed with a short offseason. Yesterday on Instagram, Murray posted this photo.
While nobody but Jamal Murray himself knows what this message actually means, we can assume he is clearly still run down from the playoffs and potentially even taking a shot at the Los Angeles Lakers. The Nuggets had one of the shortest off seasons in the entire league and while Murray played over 710 minutes, it can really take a toll on one’s body. Let’s also not forget, though young, Murray has never been a great regular season player and usually tries to pick it up in the postseason.
How can Murray get back to playing at the level he was in the 2020 NBA playoffs?
To get back to his stellar play, the main thing that Murray needs to do is get healthy. Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone hasn’t rested Murray as much as he probably should’ve and Murray himself has stated that he wants to keep playing through these injuries. Any type of day off should benefit Murray including the All-Star break. The second key to Murray returning to his bubble self is to be confident. Murray has been very hesitant with his shot this season and his decision-making has been leading to many inconsistencies which he has struggled with his whole career. When Murray is open, he needs to be confident and let it fly from three.
NBA fans need to realize how difficult it is to get back to the level Murray was playing at. He has dealt with multiple injuries that has certainly led to a decline in play so far this year. Before we freak out about why Murray isn’t playing at the level he once did last season, let’s slow down. Murray will probably pick it up come playoff time.
