Denver Nuggets: Jamal Murray has been all-time great

Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray isn’t just becoming a star before our very eyes. He’s having one of the greatest postseason series in NBA history.

The Denver Nuggets have climbed back from a 3-1 deficit to even the series against the Utah Jazz. Behind the heroics of breakout star Jamal Murray, the Nuggets have overcome the odds to force a Game 7 and keep their season alive.

While most will agree that Murray has been spectacular, it cannot be understated just how good he’s been—or, more specifically, how all-time great he’s been.

Murray began the first-round matchup against the Jazz by going shot-for-shot with Donovan Mitchell in the fourth quarter and overtime of a crucial Game 1. He finished with 36 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and a steal on 13-of-20 shooting from the field.

Most importantly: Murray had 10 points and four assists in the fourth quarter, and added another 10 points during the overtime period.

Denver was blown out in Game 2 and Murray struggled mightily in Game 3, but since then, he’s been absolutely ridiculous. That includes Game 4, when he went off for 50 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists in a two-point loss.

Not to be overwhelmed by a seemingly insurmountable 3-1 deficit, Murray put up 42 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists as Denver cut Utah’s lead to 3-2.

In the process, Murray made Nuggets history.

Being that Carmelo Anthony is on the Nuggets’ Mount Rushmore, that’s quite a feat.

In Game 6, Murray proved that this isn’t just a hot streak—it’s a demonstration of superstar potential. Facing elimination, Murray poured 50 points, six assists, and five rebounds, scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter alone.

In the process, Murray saved the Nuggets from elimination once more with a performance unlike anything the NBA has seen in over 30 years.

No hyperbole necessary: Jamal Murray is having one of the greatest postseason series in NBA history.

Yes, Murray struggled during both Game 2 and Game 3, and that enabled Utah to jump out to a 2-1 series lead. He also saved Denver from a Game 1 upset and played at a historically great level in Game 4, despite the loss.

Murray has now scored at least 40 points in each of the past three games—making him the first player to do so since Michael Jordan in 1993.

Murray is also the first player to record at least 40 points, five rebounds, and five assists in three consecutive playoff games since Jordan did it in 1990.

If that still doesn’t sell you, try the fact that only Jordan and Jerry West have ever scored more points over the course of a three-game postseason span than Murray.

When you’re being mentioned with the likes of Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, and Jerry West, you’re probably doing something historically great.

Murray is.

Denver still has a Game 7 to win in order to avoid what would be a disappointing first-round exit. The reality of this series, however, is that Murray has taken a massive leap towards superstardom when his team has needed him most.

This comes just one year after Murray stepped up with a number of star-making performances against the Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs in the 2019 NBA Playoffs.

It’s still early in his career, but at 23 years old, Murray already has a postseason résumé worth discussing.

Come Game 7, the Denver Nuggets will need to prove that they are what they claim to be: A true contender. Nikola Jokic will need to prove why he’s a favorite for All-NBA First Team honors, Michael Porter Jr. will have a chance to showcase his star potential, and Paul Millsap will be turned to as a trusted veteran.

One year after winning a Game 7 against the Spurs, however, all eyes will continue to be on the man making history.

With no hyperbole whatsoever, Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray is having one of the greatest postseason series the NBA has ever seen.