An emotional Jamal Murray received a tremendous source of encouragement from Denver Nuggets coach Mike Malone.
The 26-year-old is in the form of his life and recorded a sensational 37-point performance to lead his side to a 119-108 win and 3-0 lead over the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Western Conference Finals. The guard lit up the first half as 30 of his points came within the first two quarters, and, though he was kept fairly quiet in the second half, he was instrumental in his team’s victory. He is currently averaging 27.9 points per game in the postseason and has been pivotal to his side being on the cusp of playing in the NBA Finals.
The Canadian is enjoying his first playoffs since 2020, after a nightmare run of injuries. During his time on the sidelines, Showtime reported that an emotional Murray asked coach Malone if they would trade him due to his injury record. But he was reassured with two touching words by his coach.
After Murray floated the idea that he might be 'damaged goods' a day on from his injury and with tears in his eyes , Malone told the 26-year-old in no uncertain terms: "you're ours."
He is repaying the faith shown in him by Malone with his excellent offensive arsenal and efficiency, which the Lakers are struggling to contend with over the course of the first three games of the series. LeBron James, who notched 23 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds, was full of praise for his opponent. “Once he gets going, it’s hard to turn him off, a guy that has that type of rhythm," he said.
"Jamal’s one of those guys who can run off 20 in a quarter or 30 in a half. He can score at all three levels in the game, in the paint, free-throw line or 3-point line. You tip your hat. He’s a hell of a player.” With the game finely poised just under halfway through the fourth quarter, the Nuggets put the game out of the Lakers’ reach byu going on a 13-0 run from the 7:48 mark until there was 4:50 remaining.
According to coach Malone, Murray and Nikola Jokic repeatedly ran a two-man pick-and-roll game suggested by the Serbian, who he dubbed as 'Coach Jokic.' “This group is capable of doing great things, and they believe,” Malone said. “Belief is a very powerful thing.”
In 149 previous attempts, no team has recovered from a 3-0 deceit to win an NBA Playoff series. Despite the encouraging position they find themselves in, Malone and his side will be careful not to get complacent.
“I think the mindset is you have to go out there and take it,” Malone explained. "Up 3-0, what's the natural inclination? Take a deep breath, relax — and that's when you get yourself into trouble.” Denver will aim to close out the series on Monday night when game four takes place at LA's Crypto.com Arena.
