Jamal Murray played a vital role in the Denver Nuggets taking control of their series over the Los Angeles Clippers. Murray’s 43 points helped the Nuggets secure the blowout victory, as they head back to Los Angeles up 3-2.
Murray thriving in the playoffs is not a new development, as that played a role in the Nuggets’ championship two years ago. When Murray plays this way, he’s fun to watch, and fans were quick to point that out after the Nuggets’ Game 5 victory.
Fans Hype Up Jamal Murray’s Performances vs. Clippers
Murray thriving, especially against a Los Angeles-based team, is nothing new. Murray’s had those kinds of performances against their across-town rivals, the Lakers. After his performance, one fan hilariously commented on Murray’s performances against the Los Angeles franchises, writing, “Jamal Murray hates LA.”
Murray also has a reputation for being what folks like to call a “playoff riser,” indicating that he usually steps up to the plate. For that, one fan wrote, “A spiritual experience when he plays like this.”
Another fan echoed the same sentiment, writing, “Bubble Jamal Murray is back.” This is in reference to when Murray averaged 26.5 points while shooting 50.5% from the field and 45.3% from three during the 2020 NBA Playoffs. The Nuggets made the Western Conference Finals that year, though the Lakers went on to beat them in five.
Murray truly is an anomaly of a player, not just because of how good he is, but because of when he is at his best. He may never make an All-Star or All-NBA team, but he plays at that level in the playoffs. When this time of year comes around, he truly is one of the hardest guards to stop.
It might be a product of playing next to Nikola Jokić, but the impact is undeniable. Even after Denver fell to the No. 4 seed, no one can count them out because a three-time MVP is playing alongside a player who saves his best for last.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the Nuggets will win the title in 2025, but when Murray is at his peak, Denver’s ceiling is high enough for them to compete with the best of the best. The funniest part is that this is no hidden secret. Everyone around the league has noticed that the Nuggets’ scorer elevates his game because of the atmosphere.
It may be weird to see a guard only play at his best in the playoffs, but that’s a better alternative to watching a star guard falter in those same stakes.
