Some NBA players treat their post-game interview sessions like fashion moments. They wear haute couture, bold T-shirts, or vibrant prints—anything that stands out.
But on Wednesday night, Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray walked into the interview room after winning Game 3 of the NBA Finals wearing an unassuming white T-shirt and baggy gray sweatpants. A little sparkle here and there—a sparkly bracelet and big earrings—added a little sparkle.
Murray’s clothing has always represented a dichotomy in his public persona. There are ways in which he seems humble, perhaps because he’s often overshadowed by teammate Nikola Jokic. But when you really care, especially during the playoffs this year, his play shines through in those visuals.
“Jamal, he’s a guy who thrives, lives, and excels in the moment,” said Nuggets coach Michael Malone. “Never be afraid of him. You can’t say that to many players.”
When people talk about the Nuggets, they often focus more on Jokic than Murray. It makes sense: Jokic is the team’s engine, and two-time MVP winner. He was the only All-Star this season, and was a nightmare of the game for Denver’s playoff opponents because of his size, strength, and unique ability to ease the team’s offense as a center.
The depth of Jokic’s talent could cause some people to underestimate what Murray contributes as Denver’s dynamic starting point guard and second goal. But on Wednesday, Murray couldn’t be overlooked as he outplayed Jokic and helped Denver take a 2-1 series lead against the Miami Heat. With a 109-94 win, the Nuggets regained the home court advantage they lost on Sunday when the Heat won Game 2 in Denver as Murray underperformed. To win the series and the championship, the Nuggets will need Murray to excel just like he did in Game 3.
“I mean, we won,” Jokic said when asked what it would do for the Nuggets to play Murray like he did in the playoffs. “I think it’s very simple. But he plays exceptionally well.”
Part of what obscures Murray’s dynamism is his tough ride, as well as the large shadow Jokic casts. Murray does not draw attention to himself off the field. He’s from small town Canada and has been open to meditation since high school.
He was turning into a superstar during the 2019-20 season when the coronavirus pandemic threatened to cut him short. He had the best offensive season of his career, averaging 18.8 points per game, when the NBA suspended its season in March 2020 for several months due to the pandemic.
When the season resumed on an isolated college campus at Disney World in Florida in July of that year, Murray fared better. He averaged 26.5 points and 6.6 assists per game in the playoffs as the Nuggets made their way to the Western Conference Finals.
Doc Rivers, who coached the Los Angeles Clippers at the time, occasionally saw Murray and Mallon getting their hair cut on campus in Florida. The Clippers faced the Nuggets in the Conference Semifinals and lost despite a 3-1 lead.
“This is like a nightmare for me,” Rivers said in April. “It was amazing.”
A year later, with the Nuggets looking like they were going to challenge for a championship, Murray tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and missed the 2021 playoffs, embarking on a recovery process that could take two years. That was 26 months ago.
“I think he’s back in that direction,” Rivers said in April, referring to Murray’s star role in Disney World. He added, “He started doing it constantly, and that’s probably what people have been waiting for, but it will happen. You can see it coming.”
Murray missed the entire 2021-22 season, including the Nuggets’ brief trip to the postseason, where they lost to the Golden State Warriors in the first round. This is his first playoff tour since his time at Disney World.
On Wednesday, Malone said Murray was “craving to get back to that place, just go out there and do the performance he’s doing.”
He scored over 30 points in eight of his 18 postseason games. He scored 37 points twice in four games against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. He made 10 assists in every Finals game.
“Jamal, he expects a lot of himself,” said Nuggets guard Christian Brown. “Those are the performances we expect from him,” he continued.
Murray had 26 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists in the first game. In the second game, the Heat focused on neutralizing him. They put their best player, the indefatigable Jimmy Butler, on him and often chased him down with double teams. Murray scored 18 points in the game.
“I’m not going to tell you how to beat it, but I’ve got my ways,” Murray said Tuesday, referring to the Heat’s plan. He smiled thinking about it.
In the moments after Game Two, Murray feigned self-conviction. But Mallon saw the truth in the next few days. Murray did not ignore the loss at all. He internalized it and blamed himself.
“I felt I wasn’t bringing the enthusiasm that the moment required,” Murray said. “Even though I didn’t play terribly, I felt like I could have done a lot more. Most people who’ve seen the Nuggets play, when I have a game like that, I’ll probably go right back.”
On Wednesday night, Murray responded with 34 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. He and Jokic became the first pair of NBA teammates in any regular season or playoff game to score three times with at least 30 points in the same game. Jokic finished with 32 points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists, becoming the first player in NBA history to have at least 30 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists in a Finals game.
“It’s greatness,” said Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon. “That’s the dynamic duo right there.”
Murray scored 20 points in the first half, hitting 8 of 13 shots, including 3 of 5 made 3-pointers. Murray used to make big shots to block heat runs. Miami trailed by as much as 21 points.
“Jamal set the tone for their group, he was aggressive and assertive,” said Heat guard Kyle Lowry, adding, “He made things a little easier for Jokic.”
Murray scored less in the second half, but made plenty of plays defensively and off the ball.
“Forget about the stats for a second – I felt Jamal’s presence and his energy and he was here in the moment,” said Malone. “And for him and Nicola to do what they did tonight in a game we needed to have, getting the home court advantage back from the series was something to watch.”
Murray delivered it on high pressure. He felt burdened by the way he played in Game 2, but he wasn’t ashamed of the feeling.
People ask, “It’s a big stage. Do you get nervous and stuff?” Murray said. This is what makes you care. This is what keeps you alive. It’s what makes you enjoy these moments.”