DENVER — Jamal Murray is breaking his own trend of slow starts, putting up career-best numbers to open the season and strengthening his case for a first-ever All-Star selection.
Nuggets
The 26-year-old guard is averaging 24.0 points, 6.6 assists and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 48.6% from the field, 40.9% from three-point range and 89.2% at the free-throw line. His .611 True Shooting percentage is also the highest of his career. With this season’s All-Star Game slated to pit an international roster against two U.S. squads, the Canadian playmaker could secure his inaugural spot in the mid-season showcase.
Knicks
Forward OG Anunoby has advanced to controlled contact drills and 3-on-3 action as he recovers from a left hamstring strain, according to coach Mike Brown. Anunoby has been sidelined since Nov. 14, when he tweaked the hamstring. Before the injury, he was averaging 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.1 steals while shooting nearly 40% from beyond the arc. With Anunoby out, Josh Hart has absorbed a larger minutes load.
Pelicans
New Orleans is 1-8 under interim head coach James Borrego after dismissing Willie Green, who opened the year 2-10. Despite the record, the Pelicans have shown improved competitiveness. “The results can overwhelm you,” Borrego said. “The best organizations are process-driven. Trust that this is where we need to go, and the results will take care of themselves.”
Source: Hoops Wire
