Making sure he notes down his excellent clutch performances, the playoff Game 5 between the Denver Nuggets and the LA Clippers resulted in an NBA record break by Jamal Murray. Taking the Nuggets to play further in the 2024-25 NBA playoffs, point guard, Jamal Murray broke the NBA record for most 40+ points in playoff games succeeding Nikola Jokic who had five 40+ point games. The contribution of Murray amongst other exceeding players is to be recognized with the Nuggets’ series lead of 3-2.
An NBA historical moment by Jamal Murray
Making his mark in the playoff game against the LA Clippers, Jamal Murray’s points took the Denver Nuggets to a 131-115 win in Game 5 of seven, at Ball Arena. Scoring 43 points from a 17-of-26 from the field, Jamal Murray had added a 40 plus point game to his record, marking his performance with six career playoff games of 40 plus points.
The Denver Nuggets coach, David Adelman said, “These big moments, these situations. He was born for this … You can kind of tell the way the ball comes off his hand on certain nights. I thought he had a great lift on his jump shot. …When it’s flowing like that, it’s the guy that’s won us so many playoff games in the past.”
This record-breaking moment surpassed Nikola Jokić’s five 40 plus points in playoff games’ record, with Jokic’s most points being 53 points in Game 4 of the 2023 Western Conference playoff games, Semifinals. Ranking close to Murray and Jokic in the scoreboard is Alex English, Carmelo Anthony, Calvin Natt, and David Thompson.
Denver Nuggets vs LA Clippers: stats of the game
From taking care of his injured hamstring, missing six games, to taking over the court, Jamal Murray says “This is really what it’s about … Just coming down, playing hard and everybody trying to be on the same page with whatever we’re trying to accomplish. Tonight, I think we did a really good job of just covering for each other throughout the game. Even when they went on runs or whatever…”
Further saying… “we just stuck together, and we were able to figure it out amongst ourselves.” Adding to his amazing 43 points, Murray also had 5 rebound and 7 assists. Following was Aaron Gordon with 23 points and Nikola Jokic’s 13 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds on a triple double. A great defence game was played by Jamal Murray, and many foresee a game similar to their 2023 championship.
“It’s funny, I get some good defenders on me year after year and I get to create good relationships with those guys… Getting to play against them … I respect everybody over there. It was just fun to go compete.” Says Murray. The LA Clippers had a good game as well with Ivica Zubac leading their scoreboard with 27 points and Russel Westbrook with 19 points.
Who is Jamal Murray: career and stats
Joining the Denver Nuggets in 2016, Jamal Murray was drafted 7th overall with great impression of his 20-point average in Kentucky. Showing great performance in his one year in the NBA, the star was awarded NBA All-Rookie First Team (2017). Creating a formidable team with Nikola Jokic, the 2023 NBA Champion has polished his elite scoring skills and clutch performances in the Denver Nuggets.
Having played 536 games in the Denver Nuggets since 2016, Jamal Murray averages 18 points per game, 3.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 45.5% field goal percentage, 38.1 three-point percentage and 87.0% free throw percentage. With a strong regular season this year, Murray averages 21.4 points, 3.9 rebound, 6.0 assists and 47.4% field goal percentage.
The 2024-25 NBA playoffs keep introducing great star players that are breaking records and grabbing the attention of many. Honing his player skills as part of the Denver Nuggets for many seasons, Jamal Murray has furthered his career as a star scorer and a great performer. Taking the baton from Nikola Jokic, this beautiful moment shines a light on the Nuggets duo and the impact they have on each other. With players emerging consistently, who will Murray pass the baton to next?
