The Denver Nuggets feature an extremely talented roster. Nikola Jokic is a consistent MVP candidate, while Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon have stepped up for Denver in recent seasons. However, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards does not believe Denver would be a championship-caliber team without Jamal Murray.
“Jokic is the best player in the league, but without (Murray), they’re not a championship team,” Edwards said, via Bennett Durando of The Denver Post. “I mean (expletive), he averaged 30 in the Western Conference Finals. If you can find me somebody that don’t think Jamal Murray is one of the best (freaking) guards in the league, then they’re crazy. He averaged 30 in the Western Conference Finals. He’s the reason they won. I mean, without him, they’re not good. It’s just that simple.
“He just can get hot. He sees one go in, he might make six, seven in a row, like he did tonight. I’m one of the guys that loves watching him play.”
Murray was snubbed of an All-Star selection once again during the 2023-24 season. In all reality, Murray is a fringe All-Star during the regular season. For his regular season career, he has averaged 17.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game, via StatMuse.
Murray becomes a different player in the postseason, however.
Jamal Murray's insane playoff prowess
Murray has averaged 24.9 points per outing to go along with 6.4 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game in his playoff career. He seemingly always has the ball in competitive games late in the fourth quarter. Murray thrives under pressure, often taking, and making, the final shot.
Murray most recently connected on two game-winning shots during the Nuggets' series victory against the Los Angeles Lakers. He sent Denver fans home happy in Game 2 with a buzzer-beater before giving the Nuggets a series victory with his clutch shot in Game 5.
Of course, the Nuggets would not be where they are without Nikola Jokic either. And Denver's depth is crucial to their success. Both Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon played pivotal roles in the Nuggets' 2022-23 championship run.
With all of that being said, there is no question that Jamal Murray's ability to make big shots in the playoffs is important. It is rare to see such a major transition from the regular season to the postseason. Murray goes from a quality player to an absolute superstar in April, May and June.
Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves will be tasked with trying to upset the defending champions in the second round of the NBA playoffs. Minnesota cruised to a first-round series victory, but Denver will certainly present a challenge.
Any team that features both Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic is going to have an opportunity to win a championship. The Nuggets-Timberwolves series projects to have no shortage of excitement.
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