The exchange between the players leaked after Game 1 between the Nuggets and the Wolves. We hear Jamal Murray tell Anthony Edwards: “Are you taking care of me?” » The All-Star fullback confirms that he will defend on him. And Jamal Murray followed up with a “Okay, we’re going to have fun!” »
It is indeed Anthony Edwards who is responsible for defending Jamal Murray, and the Lakers tormentor had a very complicated first round. Already hampered by his sore calf, the Canadian had all the difficulty in the world to make a difference against the size and “pot-de-glue” defense of Anthony Edwards. And when the latter was not there, or overwhelmed, it was Mike Conley and Jaden McDaniels who took over.
Little training to preserve your calf
In the first half, Jamal Murray did not score a single point, and he finished the game with 17 points on 6 out of 14 shots, and above all an ugly -22 on +/-. This is the first time since 2020 that the Canadian has taken so few shots in a playoff game.
“Jamal couldn’t make a shot…” reacted Mike Malone about his 0 for 5 in the first half. “You could say he was a little rusty because he hadn't done anything since Game 5, and that wasn't a surprise. In fact, that first match was his first return to action. »
For Jamal Murray, his injury is not an excuse, and he does not want to talk about it. If he plays, it's because it's bearable, and it's therefore not an issue. “I’ve accepted it, and I just have to adapt.” The calf is what it is…” he sighs, before talking about his good second half.
An address at half mast
“In the first half, I didn't shoot much, but I missed some very good shots”continues Jamal Murray. “Once I made the first shot, it was easier for me to shoot. It helped me relax mentally and physically.”
Even if he was decisive against the Lakers with two shots to win, Jamal Murray did not achieve a great series against the Lakers with 40% on shots, including 29% at 3-points.
This is perhaps what explains why the Nuggets do not dominate the subject at the start of the playoffs with a complicated series against the Lakers despite this score of 4-1, and this setback at home against the Wolves. “I have no doubt that Jamal will be better on Monday night” However, warns his coach.
