Nuggets Need Jamal Murray to Be More Than Facilitator with Nikola Jokic Out, Michael Malone Says

Denver's backcourt star will need to step up as the team's primary scorer in the playoffs

With Nikola Jokic sidelined due to a hamstring injury, the Denver Nuggets will need Jamal Murray to take on a bigger role in the playoffs. Murray has been the team's primary facilitator this season, but coach Michael Malone said he needs to be more aggressive as a scorer.

Murray has averaged 18.5 points per game this season, but he has been more of a playmaker than a scorer. He has averaged 6.8 assists per game, which is second on the team behind Jokic.

However, Malone said Murray needs to be more assertive in looking for his own shot. "We need Jamal to be more aggressive," Malone said. "He's a great scorer. He can create his own shot. We need him to be more of a threat to score."

Murray has shown flashes of his scoring ability this season. He has scored 30 or more points in four games, including a 50-point performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers in January.

But Murray has also been inconsistent. He has scored less than 15 points in 10 games this season. Malone said he needs Murray to be more consistent in his scoring.
"We need him to be more consistent," Malone said. "He's had some great games, but he's also had some games where he hasn't been as aggressive. We need him to be more consistent in his scoring."

Murray will have the opportunity to step up in Jokic's absence. The Nuggets are counting on him to be a leader and a scorer in the playoffs.