Already very far from his best level during matches in Denver, with an average of 12.5 points at only 28% shooting success and 25% at 3-points, Jamal Murray was also noticed by his attitude. Frustrated, he threw a heating bag on the floor in the middle of the action: a dangerous gesture, punishable by a $100,000 fine.
As the Nuggets were down 2-0 before Game 3 in Minnesota, the playmaker had a lot to make up for. “He’s someone who plays with a lot of emotion and that’s where he’s best. He set the tone”comments Michael Malone.
However, on Wolves land, the Canadian was greeted by boos from the public. Nothing to shake him up, with 8 points in the first quarter. How did he react to the attitude of Minnesota fans?
“Frankly, it makes you better because you have to respond. You have to be very focused,” responds the 2023 championwhich takes the example of Vince Carter, his favorite player when he was a child, who was still very good with the Nets when he played again in Toronto. “I accepted this challenge. And no doubt the boos were deserved. I'm not going to hide. It was nice to play this style of match for my teammates. »
An assumed villain role
What reaction for Nikola Jokic who saw his lieutenant become the villain of the evening?
“I didn’t hear the whistles. Maybe I didn't pay attention to it.” slips the triple MVP. “But I think he’s used to it. Maybe he likes being that guy. From a certain point of view, it's leadership to take on the pressure. He loved it I think. »
With 24 points at 11/21 shooting, 5 assists and 3 interceptions, Jamal Murray had a very good match. The three days of rest after Game 2 also did him a lot of good to relieve his left calf.
“It was undoubtedly the match where I felt the best. Afterwards, at this stage of the season, everyone is doing with a little something, so I am already happy to be on the pitch”he slips.
Very sharp on his ball catches and his penetrations, the Denver player had the desire to hit hard and physically, he was not hampered by his calf. Everything was in place for him to play a big game, despite a hostile context. “He was aggressive very early in the match. I think he loves those moments when he's the bad guy.”concludes his coach Michael Malone.
| Jamal Murray | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2016-17 | DEN | 82 | 22 | 40.4 | 33.4 | 88.3 | 0.5 | 2.1 | 2.6 | 2.1 | 1.5 | 0.6 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 9.9 |
| 2017-18 | DEN | 81 | 32 | 45.1 | 37.8 | 90.5 | 1.0 | 2.7 | 3.7 | 3.4 | 2.1 | 1.0 | 2.1 | 0.4 | 16.7 |
| 2018-19 | DEN | 75 | 33 | 43.7 | 36.7 | 84.8 | 0.9 | 3.4 | 4.2 | 4.8 | 2.0 | 0.9 | 2.1 | 0.4 | 18.2 |
| 2019-20 | DEN | 59 | 32 | 45.6 | 34.6 | 88.1 | 0.8 | 3.2 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 1.7 | 1.1 | 2.2 | 0.3 | 18.5 |
| 2020-21 | DEN | 48 | 36 | 47.7 | 40.8 | 86.9 | 0.8 | 3.3 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 2.0 | 1.3 | 2.3 | 0.3 | 21.2 |
| 2022-23 | DEN | 65 | 33 | 45.4 | 39.8 | 83.3 | 0.7 | 3.2 | 4.0 | 6.2 | 1.6 | 1.0 | 2.2 | 0.3 | 20.0 |
| 2023-24 | DEN | 59 | 32 | 48.1 | 42.5 | 85.3 | 0.7 | 3.4 | 4.1 | 6.5 | 1.8 | 1.0 | 2.1 | 0.7 | 21.2 |
| Total | 469 | 31 | 45.2 | 38.0 | 86.7 | 0.8 | 3.0 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 1.8 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 0.4 | 17.5 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
