The Thunder game versus Philly was not worth watching last night primarily because Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George were all DNPs on the same night. I don’t watch games with that dynamic in place, nor do I write about those type of games on my blog. Suffice it to say…the Thunder easily walked through the motions to extend their curent win streak to three games.
Cleveland is in town tomorrow night so I’ll save myself for that game.
However, the Denver Nuggets easy win over Dallas on the road was something I watched with interest. And what I witnessed is Jamal Murray scored 45 points and looked like the same guy who along with Jokic carried the Nuggets to the NBA championship two years ago in rather easy fashion while only losing three games in that entire playoff run.
If this Jamal Murray starts to bring his game…these Nuggets are not a dead team walking. Quite the contrary, with this Jamal the Nuggets could plausibly give the Thunder some concern once we get to post season play when the pace should start slowing down as teams lock down defensively.
If I were Michael Malone….if Michael Porter isn’t traded at the deadline…I think I would basically move Christian Braun and Michael Porter to the six and seven slots…and start Russell Westbrook and either Peyton Watson or Julian Strawther depending on the size of the opposing starting five.
Denver needs a nudge at the trade deadline. Something like a discounted version of either Bruce Brown or Kentavius-Caldwell Pope. We’ll see if GM Calvin Booth makes a move or stands pat. I would make a move so as not to piss away a season of prime Jokic.
A GM’s job is to give his superstar a chance when the championship window is open. Any team which has Jokic and A-game Jamal is in a championship window if the GM is doing his job. Sam Presti did not do this with Kevin Durant in 2016…and of course Kevin subsequently bolted to Steph Curry in Golden State. CALVIN BOOTH….this is your job, buddy. Find a way.
In closing, a shoutout to Russell Westbrook for his play so far this season in Denver. I like what I’m seeing. I hoped playing alongside Jokic and Jamal, plus playing for a strong-willed coach like Mike Malone would be the right chemistry. So far, so good. I’d give Russell a B+ at the halfway mark of the season.
A beautiful sunny January day in Oklahoma. You should take a hike or a run. I’m going to.
Etternal joy, Mike J