Playoff Jamal 🧊
Those are shots that you dream of as a little kid… – Murray
Jamal Murray is HIM! It’s about time NBA news outlets and fans start putting some respect on Murray’s name! Murray, who was questionable to play in Game 5 last night because of a strained left calf, helped the Nuggets win 108-106 and end the Lakers’ season once again!
The underrated guard went off for 32 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. And he delivered another game-winner. Murray hit a beautiful shot with 3.6 to play, leading the Nuggets to the second round of the NBA Playoffs.
PLAYOFF. JAMAL. MURRAY.
His SECOND GAME-WINNER of the series sends Denver to Round 2 🚨 https://t.co/ZiNxo5iNc0 pic.twitter.com/b3AQoCUQIA
— NBA (@NBA) April 30, 2024
“Shoutout to the Lakers, they gave us a great series,” Murray said after the game.
“Those are shots that you dream of as a little kid,” Murray added.
Murray also hit Denver’s first playoff buzzer-beater in Game 2!
JAMAL MURRAY CALLS GAME TO GIVE DENVER THE 2-0 SERIES LEAD 🤯 pic.twitter.com/2PPa6KGWCB
— ESPN (@espn) April 23, 2024
It’s safe to say that he owns the Lakers! According to ESPN Stats & Information research, “Murray is the 1st player in the last 25 seasons with multiple go-ahead FG in the final 5 seconds of a single playoff series.”
He’s also the fourth player to do it multiple times across a single playoff.
Jamal Murray hit the game-winning buzzer-beater in Game 2 and series-winning FG with 4 seconds left in Game 5.
Murray is the 1st player in the last 25 seasons with multiple go-ahead FG in the final 5 seconds of a single playoff series. pic.twitter.com/ZStXOgKHnM
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 30, 2024
Murray’s Determination
NBA rumors about Murray’s status surfaced after seeing that he had to warm up with an ice pack strapped to his injured calf! The Lakers almost caught a break but Murray was determined to play and he defied management’s suggestion to sit the game out!
“I came in a little earlier today to see if I was going to be able to go, and I felt like I could and they just didn’t want me to risk it,” Murray recalled.
“They told me no. They told me no. And I didn’t say no. I didn’t want to leave my teammates out there,” Murray added.
“We’ve been battling all season. Everybody’s hurt at some point, everybody’s going through something, and I just wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I wasn’t able to play this game.“I’m just glad they listened to me — and listened to me listening to my body — and just trusting me with it.”
JAMAL MURRAY POSTER 😱
Get to TNT for the finish! pic.twitter.com/c2FeS2nYNC
— NBA (@NBA) April 30, 2024
A Series to Remember
Game 5 was an absolute war, a reflection of what the NBA Playoffs are all about! It featured 16 lead changes and 10 ties! LeBron James hit two free throws to tie the game at 106 with 26 seconds to play, and the Nuggets, just like in Game 2, didn’t call a timeout.
Instead, they let Murray take over. And he didn’t disappoint. He took the ball on a simple high screen-and-roll to his left and shook Austin Reaves while crossing through the lane and hitting a 14-foot shot.
Driving left… fading left.
PURE. https://t.co/IKUf4KexXY pic.twitter.com/lArQOEZPSF
— NBA (@NBA) April 30, 2024
“That kid’s a warrior, man,” Nuggets head coach Michael Malone said. “The bigger the moment, the kid just continues to shine.”
Michael Porter Jr. had 26 points for the Nuggets, and Nikola Jokic added 25 points, 20 rebounds and nine assists.
The Jamal Murray stats in this series were unreal! He averaged 23.6 points, 7.2 assists, and 4.6 rebounds in 39.8 minutes over five games. I can’t wait to see Playoff Jamal Murray! He’s just too damn special in the clutch! Murray has ice in his veins when it counts!
CONSIDER IT DONE pic.twitter.com/BmULj633Fz
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 30, 2024
The Nuggets now face the Timberwolves in the second round. The series will start on Saturday at Ball Arena. Denver is a conference-best 36-8 at home this season, including 3-0 in the playoffs.
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