Murray scores 50 in win over Cavs
Not himself of late, Jamal Murray got a lecture from Nuggets coach Michael Malone about being more aggressive and not passing up open shots.
He listened — and launched. Murray scored a careerhigh 50 points and became the first player in NBA history to get that many without trying a free throw as visiting Denver adjusted to a schedule change by handing the Cleveland Cavaliers their ninth straight loss, 120103 on Friday night.
Following the game, Murray was unaware that he had done something unique.
“I was just making my shots,” he said nonchalantly between sips of a postgame smoothie. “It’s kind of cool to make history. It’s a cool stat.”
Murray was cooler than cool. While AllStar starter Nikola Jokic added a tripledouble on his birthday, it was Murray’s night. The smooth guard made 21 of 25 shots, including 8 of 10 3pointers and scored 30 in the second half.
Celtics 121, Hawks 109: Kemba Walker scored a seasonhigh 28 points and Boston held off Atlanta at home. Jayson Tatum added 25 points and eight rebounds.
76ers 112, Bulls 105:
Joel Embiid scored a careerhigh 50 points to lead host Philadelphia to a win over Chicago. Embiid added 17 rebounds, five assists, four blocks and two steals in a dominating performance at both ends of the court.
Bucks 98, Thunder 85:
Giannis Antetokounmpo had 29 points, a seasonhigh 19 rebounds and eight assists, and host Milwaukee beat Oklahoma City to snap a fivegame skid.
Suns 132, Pelicans 114:
Chris Paul had 15 points and a seasonhigh 19 assists, spearheading an 11point, fourthquarter comeback by visiting Phoenix.
Raptors 86, Timberwolves 81: Norman Powell scored a seasonhigh 31 points and Toronto earned a road win over Minnesota, closing the game with an 110 run. Fred VanVleet had 12 points and seven rebounds.
Grizzlies 109, Pistons 95:
Ja Morant scored 21 of his 29 points in the second half to lead host Memphis to a win over Detroit.
Clippers 116, Jazz 112:
Kawhi Leonard scored 29 points to lead Los Angeles to a home win over NBAleading Utah.