Social media buzzing after Jamal Murray’s performance against Spain in the Olympics

There’s no denying it’s been a rough start to the Olympics for Jamal Murray in Paris. Despite Canada winning their first two games in group play, Murray looked a step slow and out of place. His movement wasn’t great and his shooting was way off. 

It was tough to watch and Nuggets fans can’t love hearing coach Jordi Fernandez announce that Murray has been on a minutes restriction. Still, Murray has been active and engaged; hopefully just playing his way into shape and getting into a rhythm ahead of training camp.

Jamal Murray with another stinker on Friday, sending social media into a frenzy

But on Friday, in Canada’s final game of the group stage of the Olympic basketball tournament, Murray had another underwhelming performance against Spain. Canada won again, improving to 3-0 and ensuring themselves a spot in the quarterfinals. But Murray struggled, scoring just 4 points and missing both his three-point attempts.

Murray did have 6 assists and made several nice plays out there, but he also turned it over three times, was mostly helpless on defense, and the team was -4 in his 16:42 of action (he didn’t start or close in the 88-85 victory).

But unlike after the first two games, it appeared as if the tides were starting to turn on Murray a bit after this one. Fans and media were out in full force with critics and skeptics lamenting on Murray’s inability to contribute without Nikola Jokic.

Nuggets fans also seemed to be turning on Murray a bit, angry with his health and fitness and panicked by his poor play while he looks for a four-year max contract extension. Murray has largely been a popular and well-respected player throughout his career, drawing “underrated” cries if anything.

But that reputation is now in serious jeopardy, perhaps for the first time. At the end of the day, these Olympic games have no real bearing on Murray’s play with the Nuggets. Whatever happens in the next week, Murray must show up to training camp in great shape and health, ready to help the Nuggets. If he and the team have a great season, this stuff will all become a blip on the radar.