OKC Thunder: NBA Power Rankings week 10 – All-Star break edition

Denver Nuggets:

Week 10: 2-1
Won vs: Blazers 111-106, Thunder 126-96
Lost to: Wizards 110-112,

Opponents this week: Bulls, Bucks

Offensive Rating: 115.9 (5th) | Defensive Rating: 111.5 (17th)  | Net Differential: +4.4 (6th)

Say what you will about some of the most dynamic duos in the current era of the NBA but Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are in the conversation as among the best.

What makes Jokic and Murray so compelling is they both can drop 50 points or a triple-double. Jokic is a rare talent period, but Murray proved in the bubble he can be Dame-like in games that matter.

Although the Canadian was dealing with various ailments this season there seemed to be something else missing. He was far less aggressive in taking his own shot whether as a product of trying to involve others or playing through those injuries. Regardless of the reason, coach Mike Malone sat him down and told him he needed to be more aggressive and call his own shot more and the Canadian took his advice to heart.

For the first 22 games, Murray was taking 15.4 shots per game (5.7 from the perimeter). He was shooting 44.2 percent from the field and 34.1 percent from deep and producing 18.1 points with 4.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds.

Since the talk, he’s played in ten games and recognized significant improvements. Murray is taking more shots (up to 19.7) equating to 29.5 points, 4.9 assists, and 5.1 rebounds. His efficiency is also improved to 55.3 percent from the field and 50.0  percent from the perimeter.

The Nuggets could’ve swept last week but for poor decision making to close the Wizards match which was partially on Murray and partially on the three Nuggets who ran the break with him and instead of running to the rim each ran to the corners.

Much has been made of Michael Porter Jr. creating the Nuggets Big 3 and the need for him to deliver consistently. Yet, arguably the more important person in the mix is Gary Harris. With Murray being an average defender Harris is essential but he’s been out with an adductor injury in 12 of the last 13 games.