The Denver Nuggets improved to 7-5 on Thursday after downing the Oklahoma City Thunder 102-94 in a back and forth matchup. While rising star Nikola Jokic has stolen the spotlight in the Mile High City, it was former seventh overall pick Emmanuel Mudiay who led the Nuggets to a convincing home victory over a title contender.
Mudiay didn’t start the game, but that didn't stop him from taking over it. By the end of the game, the Congolese point guard had stuffed the stat sheet with 21 points, seven boards, and five assists all while holding reigning MVP Russell Westbrook to 13 points on 6-22 shooting.
Though Mudiay's jumper has long been the greatest flaw in his game, the 21-year-old floor general had it cooking from downtown and nailed all four of his long-distance tries. The speedy point guard is known for his ability to leap out of the building, and he put his freakish athleticism to good use as he hung in the air time and time again for acrobatic layups.
Heading into the season, it was unknown what the future held for the talented playmaker and it seemed as though his days in Denver might be numbered. However, after a strong start to his third year, he’s quickly forcing his name into the Sixth Man of the Year conversation and maybe even the Nuggets’ starting five.
Despite playing career low minutes, Mudiay has sustained his career per game averages while blowing his previous career high shooting percentages out of the water. It’s hard to describe his transformation with numbers alone, but take a look at the tape and you'll see how much he's improved.
In his first few years in the league, Mudiay looked reluctant to shoot the ball and overwhelmed by the responsibilities of being the primary ball handler. Now, he’s firing triples off the dribble with no hesitation, dishing dimes with the poise of a seasoned vet and defending the NBA’s best playmakers with a fearlessness and ferocity that should instill terror into their hearts.
He’s always had the physical gifts and basketball IQ necessary for NBA stardom, but he was never able put them together to follow through on all of that promise until now. So far, Mudiay’s role has been scaled down this season, but the man’s absolutely balling out and he deserves a chance to show what he’s worth.
It’s time for Denver to let go of the leash and set him free in the starting lineup. The Nuggets’ current lead guard Jamal Murray is struggling to produce and his score-first mentality might actually be better served alongside an explosive second unit. Emmanuel Mudiay isn’t a star yet, but mark my words, he has All-Star appearances heading his way in the not so distant future.
Comments