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DENVER – The Canadian Jamal Murray is simply let go by the time he has managed a long shot.
He took a little heat for that. No lack of respect meant he maintained.
Murray, of Kitchener, Ont., Had a career-high 48 points, including 19 in the fourth quarter, and the Denver Nuggets defeated a slow start to beat the Boston Celtics 115-107 on Monday night.
The leader knew that he was on his first jumper – a deep 3-pointer. He realized that he could have ruffled some feathers with his last – an even deeper 3 in order to score 50.
"My emotion has resumed as usual when I go like this," explained Murray.
Murray felt all night, hitting 19 out of 30 shots, including five shots. He had two attempts to score 50 points in the final seconds, but he missed a reverse overlay and then three points in the buzzer – one that hindered the Celtics with the game already decided.
Murray tied Steve Nash's record for most points in a single game by a Canadian. Nash was 48 in a playoff game in May 2005. On November 13, 2016, Andrew Wiggins scored the most points of a Canadian in a single regular season.
"What kind of competitor would not be upset? I was (angry), but we're not going to do much about it," said Kyrie Irving, who scored 31 points on 13 shots on 13. "But congratulations to him for 48 points.He's done it in a remarkable way."
Nuggets coach Michael Malone said the veterans of his team had told Murray about the late shooting.
"He's young, he's still learning," said Malone. "You never want to try to disrespect anyone, it was not a lack of respect, he was trying to reach 50 points."
At 9-1, the Nuggets are gaining some respect around the NBA as their best start is recorded since 1976-77. They are 6-0 at home, including victories over Golden State and now Boston.
"We have not accomplished anything," Murray said. "Keep trusting yourself and do the work."
Denver spotted the Celtics with an 18-point lead in the first quarter but quickly caught up with Murray, who scored 23 in the first half.
In a match between two of the best defenses in the league, it 's the offensive that ruled tonight.
More specifically, Murray.
He resumed the game in the fourth quarter, hitting a pair of three pointers to give the Nuggets some leeway. The Celtics have even tried to double it.
It did not work.
"He was rolling," said Boston coach Brad Stevens. "He pulled out two or three easy ones which, in my opinion, made him feel good and he deserves congratulations."
The Nuggets needed a big game from Murray because the Celtics found a rhythm. Malone knew that it was only a matter of time before a Boston-based attack began to systematically overthrow the jumpers. He just hoped it would happen after Monday.
"Their offense is going in the right direction," said Malone. "Add to that their defense, which can sometimes suffocate, and that's what makes it such a dangerous team – a team that will go very, very deeply into the playoffs."
TIP-INS
Celtics: G Marcus Smart nudged the back of Nikola Jokic's head in the third quarter. … F Marcus Morris drew a technique in the fourth to argue a charge call.
Nuggets: Murray scored 14 of the team's 19 points in the first quarter. … Despite some trouble, Jokic finished with eight points, 10 rebounds and eight badists. … Gary Harris and Trey Lyles each added 13 points.
NO DOUBLE THIS THOMAS
Stevens was thrilled by Isaiah Thomas, the Nuggets' guard, currently marginalized as he relaxes from a hip operation. Thomas played three seasons games with Boston.
"I can not say enough good things about him and about everything he's said for the Celtics, the Celtic fans of New England and the surrounding area, and even our home," Stevens said. "It's an absolute pleasure to be around."
Thomas is not expected to return until next month, but he already has an influence on the Nuggets – with his voice.
"We have a relatively quiet group and something that everyone knows since Isaiah is silent," Malone said. "He brings an energy, a voice and a leadership that we sorely miss."
LESSON LEARN
Morris thinks Murray learned his lesson on shooting with a game in hand.
"I know him personally, it was not professional," Morris said. "He's a young player, he'll learn."
FOLLOWING
Celtics: In Phoenix on Thursday.
Nuggets: in Memphis Wednesday before a four-game family match.
___
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