Jamal Murray once again stepped on the Lakers’ hopes as he hit a game-winner in Game 5 of the first round to help Denver secure a series win. With the game tied at 106-106, the defending champions got possession of the ball. Murray who had already hit a game-winner in Game 2 once again stepped up to the challenge and hit a mid-range jumper over Austin Reaves to help the Nuggets to a 108-106 win.
The Canadian guard was questionable to start the game, but he showed character and suited up for the team. He started the game on fire and had the first five points for the team. Jamal Murray ended the night with 32 points on 46.4% shooting from the field. He was well supported by his teammates Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. who had 25 and 26 points respectively.
The Lakers played great basketball and had a lead several times in the fourth quarter. However, Denver showcased their champion mentality to stay in the game and pulled off another close win to clinch the first-round series. The team from the Mile High City will now play the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Conference Semi-Final.
Jamal Murray has been fantastic throughout the series
Jamal Murray finished the series against Lakers averaging 21.5 PPG, 7.3 APG and 5.0 RPG. Although these numbers do not indicate a massive performance from the guard, but he stepped up when the Nuggets needed him the most. The 27-year-old has been clutch for the team and has made two of the biggest shots for the Nuggets in their playoff run.
He was crucial for them during their championship run last season as well. The two-man game between Nikola Jokic and him is almost unguardable and it did not seem like the Lakers could ever stop them as a duo.
Jokic is certainly the star on the Nuggets team. He is on his way to clinch his third MVP trophy, but none of this would be possible without the presence of Jamal Murray. The Canadian is one of the most underrated players in the game and elevates to a different level when it gets to the postseason.
Every time in the clutch, Nikola Jokic knows that it’s time for him to step back and let Jamal Murray win the game for the Nuggets. His ability to make tough shots is second to none and this has helped Denver become a force to be reckoned with in the NBA.
Are Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic the best duo in the NBA?
Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray have been teammates for eight years now. Since they have been together in Denver, the franchise has reached new heights. Last season, the duo helped the city get to its first championship by beating the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.
Despite all the damage they cause, the duo do not get a lot of recognition as one of the best duos in the NBA. Having secured a championship together it only seems fair to agree that they are the best one-two punch in the league. However, Murray does not have a stacked resume as compared to Jokic, which has led everyone to believe that it is all a one-man show in Denver.
The Nuggets certainly are Jokic’s team, but they would never be where they are without Jamal Murray in the team. The 27-year-old was ruled out for over a season due to an ACL injury. Despite having an MVP like Jokic, Denver were not able to succeed as they were missing their star guard Jamal Murray. With him in the lineup, Jokic gets the freedom to be himself and dominate the opponents without overthinking.
Murray has always been a playoff performer and although that has hampered his ability to win individual honours, he would like another championship instead of those regular season awards.
