"Then I'll take back the MVP, no problem." That's the statement from Jamal Murray at the NBA's All-Star Media Day that could leave Kevin Durant smiling after making statements mid-week and continuing into the weekend.
Durant's been a broken record the last few days. He's made multiple mentions about the lack of intensity in the recent All-Star Games, calling out the Europeans, Nikola Jokic, and Luka Doncic directly. Durant was at it again during the media session. "I've been watching All-Star games and the intensity the older generation's been talking about it...I haven't seen it," he said.
Durant claimed earlier in the week that the lack of intensity and competition in the NBA's showcase of stars was due to Jokic's and Luka's "half-court shots" and "laying on the floor."
Murray, asked if he's going to play hard, replied, "It's just the way I play, it's not going to change with the lights or who's out there. That's the way I play the game. But if everyone else wants to take it easy, then I'll take the MVP back no problem." No problem.
That's the type of statement Nuggets fans want to see out of the cornerstone of their backcourt. The sort of attitude that championships are built on. And it's exactly what Durant's been asking for in the All-Star Game.
Durant's generation is to blame for the state of the game
Durant's known as a trash talker, so it's no surprise he had something to say and someone to call out. But the game's been on the decline since 2014, and by the time Jokic and Luka made an appearance, the NBA was already changing the format due to the established lack of intensity. In 2017, the last year before the format change, the West beat the East 192-182. 2016's game saw a score of 196-173. The problem rests squarely on his generation's shoulders.
But if Murray does decide to go "bubble" mode and drop a flurry of points to secure the MVP award, he would only be the second Nugget to do so. David Thompson is the only Nugget to win the MVP all the way back in 1979, with a stat line of 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Jokic also weighed in with his All-Star Game plans. "I'm going to play how I play every year. I'm not sure that it's going to bring another fire to me because I play every game the same," he said. If the Joker and Murray decide to team up as they do for the Nuggets every game, Durant's going to get his wish.