Jamal Murray: Cold as ice.

MPJ’s development is astounding. Despite three back surgeries, he’s realized his potential. How many thought that would ever happen?

I would’ve bet a fair amount of money that this was gonna include a nod to OutKast. And I would’ve won.

It’s a good day when the TL is flooded with this throwback.

“The Nuggets have infiltrated Los Angeles and sowed instability within an American institution.”

Bennett Durando 👀

Can’t say enough about MPJ’s growth. I remember when he was deemed a specialist early in his career. Now he’s crashing the glass, getting off the ball, creating and still sniping.

Kind of stunning that Nuggets are getting the 50-50 balls when … their season isn’t on the line.

Nuggets weathered slow Murray start, Joker’s two fouls, awful 3-point shooting and quiet bench play with tenacious, swarming defense. And now they’ve got the lead. All you can ask on the road, as Lakers are facing a must-win situation.

In order to understand Jamal Murray’s Game 2 redemption arc and the greatest shot of his Nuggets career, first let me tell you a story about a designer backpack.

For @DenverPost

denverpost.com/2024/04/23/lak…

Lakers were up 20. In the 3rd, with a chance to end the streak. Thanks to Jamal Murray, that’s 10 in a row.

Given the Lakers’ losing streak to Denver, given how impenetrable Denver’s been at home, this doesn’t feel like a first-round game.

Christian Braun has been outstanding tonight. Close to changing the complexion of this game.

Felt like open 3-pointers was the difference in that first half. D-Lo hit them, and everyone not named Porter or Jokic didn’t. Nuggets had excellent shot quality, in my opinion. But Jamal/Braun/KCP/P-Wat/Reggie *can’t* go o-fer from deep.

You’re gonna want to read this.

Michael Malone opens up, for the first time, on the void from his father’s passing.

Don’t forget to tip your beat writers.

I have no idea. But I do know they were/are best friends, Mike gave him endless support during those rehabs and then offered an unequivocal defense of his brother when the allegations were first raised. Impossible to know if that strain might manifest.

Saddest part about Jontay’s story is how close he was to quitting following injuries yet he made it all the way back … only to do this.

I always found him enjoyable to talk to and bright. Hard to believe he threw his career away over this.

Not knocking any reporting whatsoever, but it is funny that because the Lakers did the practical thing — ahem, attempt to win and secure a postseason bid— they can claim they simultaneously did not, in fact, “duck the smoke.”

My god, Saturday is a looong way away.

!!!

(But also, Lakers have lost 8 straight to Denver.)

Eight minutes just cost the Nuggets homecourt advantage for two rounds. Now staring at a brutal Pels/Wolves/Thunder path.