(Denver) Taped to the wall next to Jamal Murray’s locker in the Denver Nuggets locker room is a photo of Bruce Lee, along with a quote from the martial arts legend.
“Knowing is not enough, you have to apply. Willpower is not enough, you have to act,” she says.
The Canadian guard followed that credo to perfection Monday night at Ball Arena, battling a strained left calf to deliver a memorable performance.
Murray’s shot from 14 feet with 3.6 seconds on the clock was the difference in a 108-106 victory that allowed the Nuggets to eliminate the Los Angeles Lakers in five games in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
“These are the shots you dream about when you’re young,” Murray said. “Which you practice in the backyard and on the playgrounds.”
After the game, a satisfied Murray sat at his locker and let out a big sigh. He removed the black compression sock from her left leg and cut the white tape around her lower shin and ankle.
“I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself if I hadn’t been able to play this match,” he stressed.
His teammates, still stunned by the dramatic end of the match, went up to him to congratulate him. The ball from Murray’s game-winning shot in Game 2 — nicknamed “The Shot at 5280,” a reference to Denver’s nickname, Mile High City, and the number of feet in a mile — rested behind him at his locker.
If he continues at this rate, he might make a collection.
“Crucial shot after crucial shot,” said guard Christian Braun, sitting at the next locker. “He wants the crucial moments. We trust him during crucial moments. We know he’s going to take those shots and make them. »
” That’s what he does. It rises when the playoffs begin. »
The packed house roared when Murray was announced as the starter before the match and he set the tone from the start. He made the Nuggets’ first jump shot, their first shot from the three-point zone and their first shot from the free throw line, all while finding his bearings and activating his legs.
Murray rested late in the first quarter and was the first player to walk to center court to congratulate teammate Reggie Jackson, who had just made a 19-foot shot as the period ended.
“There’s a lot of things that don’t show up on the stat sheet,” Nuggets forward Zeke Nnaji said.
“Making sure everyone is doing well because he cares about everyone’s well-being.” He’s truly a great leader and one of the best playmakers I’ve played with. »
Murray grew up in Kitchener, Ontario, built his game at the Orangeville Prep Basketball Academy and spent a year with the University of Kentucky Wildcats.
Drafted seventh overall by the Nuggets in 2016, he is today one of the faces of the franchise, alongside star player Nikola Jokic. Last year, they formed an irresistible power duo in the playoffs, leading the team to its first-ever NBA championship.
PHOTO ISAIAH J. DOWNING, USA TODAY SPORTS VIA REUTERS CON
Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic
Murray had averaged 21.5 points in the first four games against the Lakers, but he still wasn’t satisfied with his shooting efficiency. Nuggets head coach Michael Malone said Murray talked about it with him on the plane on the return trip after the Game 4 loss in Los Angeles.
“I said we all share the victories and we all share the defeats,” Malone recounted before the fifth meeting
“I think it’s important for people to know how competitive he is. He made this shot in Game 2 that will go down as one of the best in Denver Nuggets history. He wants to do well for his team.
“He doesn’t want to disappoint his teammates and he shows it. I really appreciate and respect that about Jamal. He wants to be there for his teammates and rise to the occasion, as he has done many times before. »
Hours later, Murray once again proved that he is one of the best guards in the NBA. He finished the game with five three-pointers, seven assists and a game-high 32 points.
“He’s the most competitive player I’ve ever been around,” Braun said. “He pushes you, he challenges you and he challenges himself.
“In the most crucial moments, he stands up. »
reference: www.lapresse.ca