Nuggets backup point guard Monte Morris entered this year’s playoffs seeking one thing: redemption.
While Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray thrived in their postseason debuts last season, Morris endured a miserable first taste of the playoffs. In 14 games he averaged just 5.4 points and 2.6 assists. But more than that, Morris’ 0-fer from 3-point range stung the worst. He missed all 13 of his triple tries against the Spurs and Blazers last season.
So, when Morris buried a first-quarter 3-pointer in Monday’s gripping Game 1 thriller over Utah, it was more than a nominal basket. As Morris’ 3 swished through the hoop, Denver’s steady backup guard got a small slice of peace.
“I had beat myself up and worked hard in the offseason to prepare for these moments like this,” said Morris, after scoring 14 points and dealing four assists in 29 minutes. “I felt like last year I was rushing a little bit in the playoffs and not letting it come to me.”
In recent days, Morris has said how much more comfortable he felt going into the series vs. Utah considering his experience last year. He also said he’s been taking better care of his body and watching more film as part of his preparation.
“It felt good for me to see a three go, too,” Morris said. “Just having confidence and going out there and playing. I just give a shout out to (Nuggets) Coach (Michael) Malone and the coaching staff for trusting me.”
Malone didn’t need the absences of injured wings Gary Harris and Will Barton to grant Morris minutes. His heady, calming play throughout the season had already earned him ample trust with the coaching staff. But because of that, it was hardly a surprise to see Morris as one of the team’s few bright spots as the Jazz hung 31 points in the third quarter. When the damage was done, Utah had turned a seven-point deficit into a five-point lead heading into the fourth.
Were it not for Morris’s three baskets in the third quarter — all physical finishes inside the lane — the Nuggets may not have been optimistic about their comeback chances.
As invaluable as he was in getting the game to overtime, Morris’ biggest moment came with 3:40 left in the extra session and the Nuggets clinging to a two-point lead. Jamal Murray collected the offensive rebound, then calmly found an open and eager shooter in Morris. His second 3-pointer put the Nuggets up by five, and it never got any closer than that.
The Nuggets already own a significant depth advantage over Utah. A dangerous Morris offers another problem the Jazz may not be able to counter come Game 2.
