Murray returns, Porter stars in Nuggets win
When the Nuggets’ starting lineup was introduced Wednesday night, the gravel-voiced public address announcer at Ball Arena screeched: “He’s back!”
Taking his cue, guard Jamal Murray, who missed 11 games because of a strained left hamstring, pumped his fist in the air as the fans serenaded him with cheers.
And while Murray was the main attraction in Denver’s 134124 cruiser over Houston, it was Michael Porter Jr. who hogged the spotlight.
Porter was sensational, especially in the first half as the Nuggets took a 76-59 lead into the locker room. He scored 23 points, making 8 of 10 shots and draining 6 of 7 shots from 3-point range. Porter finished with 30 points on 11-of-17 shooting (7 for 12 on 3-pointers) and added 10 rebounds and five assists.
When the Rockets whittled Denver’s lead to 103-93 late in the third quarter, it was Porter who answered with an off-balance 3-pointer from the top of the key to snuff out the Rockets’ rally.
Denver center Nikola Jokic did what he usually does. He put up a triple-double with a game-high 32 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds.
The Nuggets’ offense was in high gear most of the night, finishing with 37 assists and committing only four turnovers.
The Nuggets improved to 9-0 at home, and have won three in a row since struggling through a five-game road trip with a 1-4 record. Although Murray looked a bit rusty out of the gate, he did manage to throw in a desperation 37-footer as the shot clock expired early in the game. He allowed himself a wry smile.
Moments later, Murray pulled up lame after making an awkward drive in the lane, appearing to have turned his right ankle. He left the game and made a trip to the locker room before returning. While he was on the bench, Murray iced his ankle throughout the game.
The guard played 22 minutes, scoring 16 points, even though he shot just 29% (4 of 14) from the floor. Murray added six assists and six rebounds and the twoman game he plays with Jokic was
in sync when they shared the floor.
The defending NBA champions sprinted out to a 6-1 record to start the season with Murray in the lineup but went just 6-5 without him. And Murray struggled with his shot in Denver’s first seven games, averaging 16.3 points on 43.3% shooting. However, he was averaging a careerbest 7.4 assists per game.