DENVER — By the time the media gained access to the Denver Nuggets locker room on Thursday night, Jamal Murray had already left.
There was no opportunity to discuss his 4-of-13 shooting performance in the Nuggets’ 102-87 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder, nor to address the remarks made by head coach Michael Malone regarding the potential of Murray teaming up with newcomer Russell Westbrook. Westbrook himself had an evening to forget, shooting 2-of-10 from the field and living up to his reputation as a historically poor shooter who continues to take shots.
His air-balled three-pointer at the 3:45 mark of the first quarter, taken with no defender around, set a dismal tone for the night as he ultimately missed five of six attempts from beyond the arc. The Thunder dominated the Nuggets, who struggled with their shooting, missing 31 of 38 three-point attempts. The stark reality for Denver was highlighted by their star player, Nikola Jokić.
“We are not a good shooting team, I think, except probably (Michael Porter Jr.) and Jamal (Murray),” Jokić stated after posting a triple-double with 16 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds, while shooting 6 of 12 overall (1-of-3 from three). “All of us are kind of streaky. Not streaky, you know, but just average shooters.”
Jokić’s candid remarks about the team’s shooting abilities revealed underlying tensions, especially as concerns have grown over the dynamic between Malone and Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth amid the team’s efforts to regain championship status. His comments hinted at the changes in the roster since Denver’s title win in 2023, showcasing their struggle to balance present needs with past decisions.
“I don’t think there’s any need for panic,” Malone commented. “Going into the season, shooting is a concern of mine. You know, you lose a guy like KCP, who was a 40 percent three-point shooter. I thought Christian Braun played great tonight, but he’s not going to fill KCP’s shoes. We all need to embrace Christian for who he is.”
Despite the tough start, Malone emphasized that it’s too early to panic, as the Nuggets prepare to face Westbrook’s former team, the LA Clippers, on Saturday. This matchup brings a significant urgency to secure a win and alleviate some of the discomfort following the opening loss.
Meanwhile, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault noted the impressive performance of his players, particularly Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and second-year big man Chet Holmgren, who scored 25 points with 14 rebounds in his season debut. Acknowledging Holmgren’s potential as a cornerstone of the franchise, Daigneault reflected on the chemistry within his team and their success last season.
In discussing the competitive landscape in the Western Conference, Daigneault warned against underestimating any team, including the Nuggets, noting that every team must strive for collective improvement.
As the season unfolds, the Thunder demonstrated they are a formidable contender, leaving the Nuggets with many questions to address as they seek to reclaim their championship aspirations.