2023-05-20 11:36:00
After his big knee injury two years ago, Jamal Murray is in the process of regaining all his abilities, he who is carrying out a pure Playoffs campaign recalling his exploits from the Orlando bubble in 2020. And with that, it’s also the confidence that comes back.
37 points including 23 in the fourth quarter, all to give the Nuggets a 2-0 advantage in the Western Conference Finals. Jamal Murray’s last performance marked the spirits, and confirmed his return to the fore.
Exceptional in Orlando’s anti-COVID bubble three years ago, the Nuggets point guard went through a long tunnel following his knee ligament rupture in April 2021, but this painful chapter is giving way to another much happier. His stats on the 2023 Playoffs? 27.2 points average, 5.5 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.6 interceptions, all at 47% shooting including 41% from the parking lot and 92% from the free throw line. Figures that place him at the top of the basket in the NBA.
“I don’t think I get the respect I deserve. I’m better than a lot of players in the league. Every time I see player rankings, I’m like, ‘Man, this is crazy. Maybe it’s because of my prolonged absence. But if we win the title, that will change everything.”
– Jamal Murray, via Andscape
Never elected All-Star in his career, and author of a discreet start to the season this year before gaining momentum over the months, Jamal Murray has so far lacked consistency (and therefore luck given of his injury) to be considered among the elite. And the fact that he plays in Denver, not the best place in terms of exposure and moreover in the shadow of the monster Nikola Jokic, probably does not help matters for him.
But today, it is indisputable that Murray evolves as one of the very best players in the league. This is one of the reasons why the Nuggets are only two wins away from the NBA Finals, Jamal providing the offensive support that the Joker has been sorely lacking for the past two seasons. Not only does Murray make scoring cards, but he confirms that he is also one of the most clutch players on the circuit (four Playoff games with at least 20 points scored in the last quarter, a record in the last 25 years), while reaffirming his devastating two-man game with Jokic.
“He is clearly one of the best defenders in the league. He can score tough shots late in the game as well as anyone. He shows it in the Playoffs. People thought the bubble was a fluke, but I think he’s better today than in 2020. He sees the game better. I’m happy for him.
– His teammate Michael Porter Jr.
Closer than ever to winning the Western Conference, Jamal Murray is bound to receive the respect he feels he deserves if the Nuggets finish off the Lakers in the days to come.
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Source texte : Andscape
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