Jamal Murray is known for his leap for allowing him to enter the playoffs, but he later saves his best performance.
In Game 1 of the Denver Nuggets Series with the LA Clippers, Jamal Murray scored a very solid yet unobtrusive 21 points.
The Nuggets’ 112-110 overtime victory was a Russell Westbrook game with impact.
Russell Westbrook scored a game-winning steal and three pointers in the second half of the fourth quarter, but filming 5-17 was extremely inefficient.
He was blown up after a game by former NBA star Jalen Rose, describing him as a “gift and curse” for the team.
Despite the inefficient filming night, Russell Westbrook had a critical influence on the Nuggets game.
He admitted he had a bit of extra motivation for his previous team, the LA Clippers last season.
At a postgame press conference, Jamal Murray supported Westbrook.
He said:
“He’s on defense, he’s talking, he’s in the pack, he’s active, he’s hoping for a pass, he’s doing everything else.
“It felt like he was affecting the game in many ways and he did it again.”
Murray went on to add that filming only plays a small factor in the player’s performance.
Westbrook especially scored eight rebounds, three assists and two steals in addition to a total of 15 points, with one moment counted in a narrow overtime victory.
“I know that’s how we criticize everyone these days, but a lot of people on this team can make a victory.”
Jamal Murray saved his criticism of his own performance and acknowledged that he could reach a higher level.
He realized he was happy to go through the opening game with victory and said, “I’m trying to calm down and make some shots throughout the game.
Murray admitted that the built-in chemistry he has with Nicola Djokic and Aaron Gordon is a major factor in pulling out the team.
“That trust comes from playing a lot of big games and we have a lot of trust in each other, which was part of why we got the job done.”