‘Confident’ Jamal Murray remains unfazed by recent narratives around his form

Jamal Murray shuts down his critics in style, delivering a season-high 34-point performance to secure the victory.

‘Confident’ Jamal Murray remains unfazed by recent narratives around his form

Jamal Murray puts up a season high 34 points

Jamal Murray put up a season-high performance to silence his critics, who were quick to label him as overrated. As Murray dealt with various ailments, including calf and ankle strains, the media berated the guard for not being able to keep up with his partner, Nikola Jokic. After signing a max contract extension worth $208 million over the next four years, fans expected more than just average production from the superstar.

However, Murray responded with a powerful performance, scoring 34 points to help the Nuggets secure a victory. Shooting 12-20 from the field and 4-7 from the three-point line, Murray showcased his basketball skills on Saturday against the Detroit Pistons. He also added one steal and three blocks to his hustle stats, while grabbing five rebounds and dishing out four assists.

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I would love to make shots every night, man. I strive to make shots every night, but I can still try to impact the game if I’m not making shots. I try to pride myself off of that. So, if people are going to talk about me not making shots, then so be it. I know what I’m capable of. I know what I do…. I just left people talk, that’s what they do best.

Jamal Murray said post-game

The head coach of the Denver Nuggets also echoed the same sentiment. Slamming the media for rushing to judgment, Mike Malone told reporters that this is why he always advises his players to “don’t look at the damn phone.” Basically, suggesting them to shut off all the outside noise and to avoid reacting to it.

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Continuing to praise and congratulate Jamal Murray on his best performance of the season, Mike Malone urged the city of Denver and its fans to have patience. Asking them to continue supporting their former champ, Malone argued that blasting Murray is “not going to do him any favors, man.”

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Jamal Murray praises teammate Russell Westbrook for his relentless energy and aggression

Russell Westbrook is also starting to find his rhythm on the court as he works to build chemistry with his new teammates. Although he is averaging only 12 points, it’s his intangibles—like his energy, outspoken nature on the court, and aggression—that are helping him connect with the team to secure meaningful victories.

He’s not gonna stop, man. I love it. He’s not going to stop. He’s going to turn up the pressure. I think we all respond in different ways. Russ is a talker. He lets you know about stuff; he brings energy and effort into everything he does… Russ got the whole team going. Everybody was clicking and playing well.

Jamal Murray on Russell Westbrook

Westbrook electrified the home crowd with his antics, drawing technical fouls from the Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart and Cade Cunningham on two separate occasions, which earned him high-fives from fans courtside. In another moment, his put-back dunk on a fast break had the fans on their feet.

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While Jokic and Murray combined for 71 points, Russell Westbrook contributed eight points on 4-of-6 shooting, along with nine rebounds and eight assists. The Nuggets will next head to Utah to face the Jazz.