Spurs led by Murray overpower feisty Nuggets, 122-108.

Dejounte Murray had 20+ after one quarter, finishing with 36 points (a point short of his career-high), 8 assists & 5 steals as the Spurs overpowered a feisty start by Denver, despite strong showings by Jamaal Murray (26 points) and Nikola Jokic (25 points, 12 rebounds). The Spurs burst into the second quarter, winning it 33-19, then subsequently both second half quarters (34-30; 32-31) to win heartily in the high altitude.

Overall, Murray is having a great season so far. He is passing the ball more efficiently, cementing his status as floor general, and having Rajon Rondo mentoring him has definitely paid dividends. His scoring may be down (mostly because Brandon Ingram is scoring more, which is also great to see), 15.4 down from 17.3 last season), but he is up 6.3 in assists compared to 5.6, and controlling the ball better at 1.1.tpg compared to 1.6 last season. Most impressively, Dejounte is shooting 43% from long range, having become more in-tune with his strengths and weak points as a player, not going for so many shots from deep that resulted in 30% last season. When he does fire from afar, Murray is hitting. Also up are Murray's steals, 2.1 up from 1.5 last season.

The Rest: Kent Bazemore scored 14 points, getting his 3PT percentage back up to 35% after experiencing a cold streak, showing restraint and picking his spots better. Joe Harris scored 14. Drummond had a low-key double-double, 10&10, with Brandon Ingram scoring 13 as VanVleet dished 7 assists.


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