Jamal Murray’s Rise: A Potential NBA All-Star in the Making
The Blue Arrow’s Brilliant Start
In the world of the Nuggets, Jamal Murray is shining brighter than ever. His performance this season, especially in November, has been nothing short of exceptional. With a statistical start that outshines his previous records, Murray is on a path to becoming an NBA All-Star, and we can’t help but take notice.
While the Nuggets had a challenging week, losing at home to Sacramento and San Antonio, Murray quietly achieved his most productive November yet. His 37-point performance against the Spurs pushed his scoring average to an impressive 23.2 points per game, a significant improvement from previous Novembers.
A-Minus for the Budding All-Star
From November 1st to the 28th, Murray’s shooting accuracy was on point, connecting on 48% of his attempts from the field and an impressive 40.4% from beyond the arc. As of Saturday morning, his November averages stood at 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 3.0 three-pointers per game. This is a notable jump from his performance in November 2024 and 2023, where he averaged 17.8 and 12.5 points, respectively.
Given Murray’s historical slow start, it’s a pleasant surprise to see him deliver such consistent performances. The Team Grading The Week (GTW) took a break from their Thanksgiving feast to acknowledge Murray’s exceptional form.
A Dedicated Summer Pays Off
Murray’s dedication during the summer, focusing on his health and an intense workout schedule, has paid dividends. He promised a better start to the regular season, and so far, he’s delivering on that promise. This could be the turning point in his career, leading him towards All-Star recognition.
The NBA All-Star Format Twist
But here’s where it gets interesting. The NBA’s All-Star game format has undergone a change, introducing a Team USA vs. Team World tournament. Instead of the traditional conference matchups, this new format opens up opportunities for players like Murray. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander almost guaranteed a spot on Team World, Murray needs to maintain his current pace to join his fellow Canadian at the Intuit Dome. Each week, he inches closer to that All-Star status.
Tad Boyle’s Return: A Solid A
New DU men’s hoops coach Tim Bergstraser has caught the attention of the GTW crew, and so has Tad Boyle, the old pal of GTW. Boyle’s CU team has had an impressive week, knocking off UC Davis by 16 points at home and then traveling to Palm Desert, California, for a holiday tournament. They defeated San Francisco by 10 points and followed it up with a convincing win over Washington, thanks to Bangot Dak’s double-double performance.
It’s still early days for local men’s hoops, but the dreams are big. As of Friday night, CU’s strong week moved them up to No. 65 on KenPom.com’s rankings, just ahead of CSU. With both teams needing signature wins before Christmas, the upcoming Rocky Mountain Showdown on December 6th promises to be an exciting affair.
So, what do you think? Is Jamal Murray on track to become an NBA All-Star? And how far can Tad Boyle’s CU team go this season? Let’s discuss in the comments and share our predictions!