Jamal Murray’s growth as a leader for the Denver Nuggets this season was perfectly encapsulated in the team’s home opener against the Phoenix Suns.
With less than four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Nuggets were clinging on to a five-point lead against a determined opponent. On an offensive possession for Phoenix, Kelly Oubre Jr. tried to feed the hot-handed Frank Kaminsky in the low post for an easy bucket, but Murray expertly read the play. The Nuggets point guard baited the Suns’ forward and leaped up to make a steal. The moment created a fast-break opportunity which led to a three-point play by Malik Beasley on the other end.