After Jamal Murray's impressive outing, scoring a season-high 45 points, Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone defended his star guard who faced scrutiny for his early season performance. Malone expressed that the pressure on Murray has been excessive and emphasized the importance of patience. Murray's performance helped the Nuggets secure a 118-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
Murray was on fire from the start, netting 19 points in the first quarter alone. His requests to remain on the court were honored by Malone, allowing him to finish the half with 32 points. He attributed his success to being in the zone and playing freely, indicating a positive shift in his mindset.
Malone acknowledged the criticism Murray has received this season, especially after signing a lucrative contract extension. He reinforced the organization's belief in Murray's abilities and highlighted his crucial role in the team's championship run. Despite a rough start to the season, Murray has shown improvement, averaging 21.9 points over the last 18 games.