When the Nuggets’ deficit in a February game at Houston ballooned to 35 points, coach Michael Malone emptied his bench. That meant turning to rookie point guard Monte Morris.
Though Morris’ 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting, six assists, one turnover and three steals came in 22 minutes of garbage time, he still shared the court with future Hall of Famer Chris Paul and eventual MVP James Harden. And Morris was not flustered playing against his star-studded counterparts on the perimeter.
“For me to go out there, it boosted my confidence,” Morris said. “It actually showed me I can play at this level.