If the Cavaliers played Golden State every game, John Lucas would have nothing to worry about. Since his team is not that fortunate, the Cavs head coach is doing everything he can to motivate forward Lamond Murray.

After Murray scored 40 points in Wednesday's 113-98 win over Golden State, topping his previous career high of 38 set two years ago against the Warriors, Lucas acknowledged it was an ``outstanding'' effort. But then he launched into a discussion about how Murray can be an even better player ``if he wants.''

It conjured up memories of Dec. 15, when Cavs point guard Andre Miller had 22 assists and nine steals against Philadelphia. Lucas then talked about how he wanted to see more from Miller.

``That's the sign of a good coach,'' Murray said. ``He's trying to challenge players to get better and better and not settle for what they've done.''

It's not an everyday occurrence that Murray compliments a coach. Murray clashed with Bill Fitch and Chris Ford when he played for the Clippers from 1994-99, and he was not on Randy Wittman's America Online buddy list the previous two seasons with the Cavs.

But Murray and Lucas are definitely meshing. Murray is willing to do the extra work that Lucas believes is necessary in order to get to the next level. Murray regularly stays after practice for extra shooting work. After having not played for three games due to a back injury, he came to Gund Arena on his own for 90 minutes on New Year's Day.

``There are more levels to Lamond Murray,'' Lucas said. ``I've got to go searching for them. He can do more. If he wants to make a serious commitment, he can play at an All-Star level.''

Murray leads the Cavs in scoring with a 16.9 average, which is on track to be the best in his eight-year career. He's shooting career bests from 3-point range (37.0) and from the foul line (84.8).

Still, Lucas looks out at the practice court and sees a player oozing with talent and athleticism. He believes Murray can do more.

``He's got to continue to work hard on developing his game,'' Lucas said. ``He's got to be able to finish better at the basket. He's got great post-up skills. He's got to bring those skills out. I'd like to see him getting seven foul shots a game (Murray averages 3.3 made and 3.9 attempted per game). He's 28 now. He should just be hitting his prime.''

The primary rap on Murray over the years has been his inconsistency. He'll put up 20 points one game and seven the next. Murray is getting better in that regard, but General Manager Jim Paxson said Lucas is still working with Murray to get ``a little more consistency night in and night out against certain teams.''

At least there's never any problems against Golden State. In his five games as a Cav against the Warriors, Murray has averaged 28.2 points, never having scored less than 19 in a game.

Murray, who is from the San Francisco Bay Area and played in college at California, works out with Golden State players each summer. They beg for mercy, but never get it.

``They're like, `Leave us alone. Every year you come in and you get us for big numbers,' '' said Murray, who shot 16-of-23 Wednesday. ``I'm just used to working out with all of their players. I just feel confident. I just feel good when I play against them.''

After Murray's big scoring night, plenty of calls came rolling in from the Bay Area from friends and family members, who had seen the game on television. Murray took the opportunity to make some preparations for Jan. 16, when the Cavs play at Golden State.

No doubt Murray will be primed then to have another big night. It's all of those other opponents that Lucas is worrying about.

Like Toronto, which the Cavs will meet tonight for the first time this season. In four games last season against the Raptors, Murray averaged a miserable 8.3 points on 34.1-percent shooting.

No wonder Lucas didn't give Murray too many pats on the back after Wednesday's game.