The Denver Nuggets need Jamal Murray if they’re going to win an NBA championship.
Murray has often been overlooked because of the injuries and Nikola Jokic’s stellar play, but he’s as important to his team as their MVP.
That was evident again when he went full takeover mode in the fourth quarter, scoring 23 points to secure a Game 2 win over the Los Angeles Lakers and reminding everyone just how much he balls out when the game is on the line.
That’s why ESPN’s Zach Lowe coined the nickname Jamal “Bright-Lights” Murray, citing that he’s just not afraid of the moment and praising him for always taking his game up a notch in the postseason.
.@ZachLowe_NBA is calling Jamal Murray “bright-lights Murray” 👀
“The playoffs, [Jamal Murray]’s meant for it. Whatever that is that you have to have to shine when the pressure’s on, he has it. … This dude steps up in the playoffs. He’s completely unafraid.” pic.twitter.com/xeuDZ7o1Pc
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 19, 2023
Notably, Murray averages nearly eight more points in the postseason (25.1) than in the regular season (16.9), and he’s currently having the best playoff run of his career by scoring 27.2 points on 47.2% from the floor.
The Canadian sharpshooter has had some stellar performances in the playoffs, including a couple of 50-point performances.
The Nuggets have struggled to get over the hump in the postseason without him, as he missed the past couple of postseasons, and that also took a major toll on the narrative around Jokic and his team.
Notably, Mike Malone’s team actually reached the Western Conference Finals the last two times both Jokic and Murray were healthy, and they’re now ready to get back at the team that sent them back home in the bubble.
It’s time to put some respect on Jamal Murray’s name.
NEXT:
Fans React To Jamal Murray’s Big Game 2 Performance In Win Over Lakers
