The battle of reigning Rookies of the Month went to Jamal Murray on Monday night, in more ways than one. Not only did Murray’s Nuggets defeat Joel Embiid‘s Philadelphia 76ers, Murray outperformed Embiid in a 106-98 Denver victory. Murray also beat Embiid one-on-one with a crazy scoop to help tie the game in the third quarter.
Murray was 8-for-12 shooting on the night, including 3-for-7 from 3-point range, for 22 points. His three rebounds were only one less than the Sixers’ big man’s four. Embiid finished the night with 16 points and five turnovers. Murray and Embiid were each named Rookie of the Month for November in their respective conferences. Embiid averaged 18.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks last month; Murray averaged 12.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists.
Murray scored 17 of his 22 in the first half, but Denver still trailed at the intermission. He gave the Nuggets a lift in the third, scoring against Embiid on an improbable underhanded shot with the shot clock expiring to knot the score at 66. Danilo Gallinari and Will Barton were strong down the stretch to help seal the victory and snap a three-game losing streak.
Denver continues its six-game road trip on Wednesday in Brooklyn. Four of Denver’s seven wins have come on the road this season, five of Brooklyn’s six wins have come at home.
