File photo
Nuggets
Jamal Murray has a reputation for easing into seasons, but he may be rewriting that narrative.
As Tim Bontemps of ESPN noted, Murray is averaging a career-high 22.5 points and has been one of the biggest reasons for Denver’s strong start. The Nuggets will need him to keep it up with Christian Braun out until around New Year’s due to a left ankle sprain.
“He’s moving well, his body looks good,” an Eastern Conference scout told ESPN. “I’ve been impressed with him. He’s been a huge part of their hot start. They’re in the inner circle of contenders in large part because of the work he’s been doing next to (Nikola Jokic).”
Lakers
It has been a strange opening month in Los Angeles. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have put up huge numbers, while LeBron James has missed almost all of it. Deandre Ayton has been productive statistically, but the Lakers are several points better per one hundred possessions when he is off the floor.
Opponents are shooting 69 percent at the rim against L.A., the fourth-worst mark in the league. Despite an 11-4 record, the Lakers sit 11th in offensive efficiency, 17th in defense and 14th in net rating.
As Bontemps wrote, the standings say one thing, but the underlying numbers invite more questions.
“Are they up there with Oklahoma City, Denver and Houston? No,” an Eastern Conference scout told ESPN. “But they’re clearly in the top six. Their depth overall isn’t good, but their top-line talent makes them a team I wouldn’t want to see in the playoffs.”
A Western Conference scout offered a different read.
“They’re top three for sure,” he said. “When you have Luka, you’re always going to be in the mix.”
Heat
There has been plenty of talk about Miami’s revamped offense, and no one has adapted to it better than Norman Powell.
As Bontemps noted, the Clippers declined to extend him and moved him to Miami in a three-team deal that cost the Heat almost nothing. The early return has been staggering.
Powell is averaging a career-best 25.5 points and shooting 46 percent from three.
He has kept Miami’s offense in the top ten despite Tyler Herro missing the entire season and Bam Adebayo being out for extended stretches.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
