Here’s a rephrased version:
“Quick inquiry for NBA coaches: Are you genuinely aiming to provoke Jamal Murray’s ire? Seriously?
The initial reaction around the offices of Grading The Week was one of bewilderment upon realizing that, once again, the NBA’s Western Conference All-Star roster omitted The Blue Arrow. He’s the special ingredient that elevated the NBA’s reigning champions to such heights last spring.
Admittedly, the Western Conference boasts an abundance of talent. And yes, the Nuggets’ standout guard missed a chunk of games. We acknowledge those factors.
But what more does Murray, hailing from Kitchener, need to do? The favorite sidekick of Nikola Jokic enters the weekend matching his career-best points per game (21.2) and achieving a personal high in assists per game (6.4).
The advanced statistics speak volumes. According to Basketball-Reference.com, Murray’s offensive rating of 120 points generated per 100 possessions—surpassing his career average of 113 as of Friday—marks a career peak. Similarly, his win shares per 48 minutes (.149 compared to a career mark of .104), player efficiency rating (20.3 versus a career average of 16.7), and offensive box score plus/minus (4.4 compared to a career average of 1.8) all reach new heights.
Given Murray’s exceptional playoff performance last year, one would have anticipated that the coaches responsible for selecting All-Star reserves had learned their lesson. Apparently not.”
All-Star selectors making Murray mad — D for them, A for us
Because even the smallest perceived offense ignites a fire within him.
While Nikola Jokic is the consistent backbone of the Nuggets, providing stability night in and night out, it’s Jamal Murray who leads the charge in crucial games, pivotal moments, and on the grandest stages.
Murray’s performance in January speaks volumes—he averaged 23.6 points per game, shining particularly brightly with 28-point averages in victories over the Pacers, and impressive 35-point outings against both the Celtics in Boston and the Bucks at Ball Arena. Since December 15, he’s only scored fewer than 19 points on six occasions in 23 games—a stretch where the Nuggets suffered defeat in every instance.
Despite his numerous accomplishments as a professional, an All-Star selection remains one of the few accolades missing from Murray’s collection. Moreover, he possesses a remarkable ability to remember slights over time. And if past actions are any indication, this should leave NBA coaches trembling as they prepare for the postseason in a few months. The folks in the GTW offices would confidently wager that Murray’s All-Star Game snub will inevitably transform into additions to his trophy case.
Andy Lowry, Columbine football punching Super Bowl tickets — A.
While the Denver community is naturally inclined to support the San Francisco 49ers over the Kansas City Chiefs, thanks to the strong representation of local figures like the McCaffreys, Shanahans, and Lynches on the Niners sideline, there are more individuals from the Front Range making waves in Vegas next weekend.
Andy Lowry, the esteemed Columbine football coach, has earned himself a spot at the Big Game as the AFC recipient of the NFL’s 2023 Don Shula High School Coach of the Year award. He was nominated by the Broncos and selected by the league based on criteria including character, integrity, leadership, dedication to the community, commitment to player health and safety, and on-field success, as per the NFL’s announcement.
Lowry, who led the Rebels to a memorable upset victory over Cherry Creek in December to claim the CHSAA Class 5A football championship, holds the distinction of being the first Colorado prep coach to be bestowed with this honor—an achievement in itself. What’s even more heartwarming is Lowry’s decision to share this special moment with his son Thomas and long-serving assistants Doc Holliday and Tom Tonelli during his Super Bowl journey.
“I owe a lot to my staff for this recognition,” Lowry expressed to Kyle Newman, adjunct to Grading The Week and reporter for The Post. “Inviting a couple of them to accompany me is my way of showing appreciation for their contributions.”
Grading The Week reciprocates that sentiment, Coach Lowry. Please convey our regards to Randy Gregory. Or perhaps not, whichever you prefer.
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