It’s more than just basketball for Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray; it's about making an impact. Known for his thoughtful approach to communication, Murray recently shared insights about what he describes as the best season of his NBA career thus far. "I’m just hoopin’,” he casually remarked in an interview with Andscape, reflecting a mindset focused on enjoying the game rather than getting caught up in the pressure.
This season, Murray has been pivotal for the Nuggets, especially considering that the team’s star player, Nikola Jokic, a three-time NBA Most Valuable Player, along with other key players, has faced injuries. As the Nuggets prepare to face the Boston Celtics on Wednesday evening (7 p.m. ET, ESPN), Murray boasts impressive averages of 25.4 points, 7.2 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game, all while shooting a remarkable 48% from the field and nearly 45% from beyond the arc—these numbers mark career highs for him.
A seasoned NBA competitor with ten years under his belt, Murray had a standout moment recently when he scored 52 points against the Indiana Pacers on December 3rd. His exceptional performance earned him the title of NBA Western Conference Player of the Week for the games played between December 1st and 7th.
"I’m just playing free, having fun," Murray explained, emphasizing his role in helping coordinate the team's play. He appreciates the high basketball IQ of his teammates, making it easier for him to take charge on the court. Murray values the freedom to play without restrictions, a sentiment echoed by the team’s dynamic.
Despite showing great form this season, Murray has had his fair share of health challenges. Recently, he missed his second game of the season due to an ankle injury sustained during a thrilling overtime victory against the Philadelphia 76ers, which concluded with a score of 125-124. While Murray stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 215 pounds, the greatest adversities he has faced have not come from opposing teams but rather from his own physical setbacks.
In his first three seasons from 2016 to 2019, Murray consistently played over 75 games each year. However, since then, the 28-year-old has struggled with injuries, never exceeding 67 games in a season. A significant setback occurred when he tore his left ACL on April 12, 2021, which sidelined him for the entire 2021-22 NBA season and the playoffs that year. Conversely, during the 2023 playoffs, he participated in every game, averaging 26.1 points, 7.1 assists, and 5.1 rebounds, contributing significantly to the Nuggets’ first-ever NBA championship.
Reflecting on his past struggles with injuries, Murray said, "I was just banged up and playing through it, kind of going under the radar with it, doing everything I can, and sacrificing." This highlights the resilience often required of athletes who face physical obstacles.
In 2024, the Nuggets fell short in their title defense against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a tightly contested seven-game series in the Western Conference semifinals. Following this, Murray represented Canada in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they suffered a disappointing loss in the quarterfinals to host nation France. Last season, the Nuggets again found themselves in the Western Conference semifinals, losing in a decisive seven-game series to the eventual champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
After a grueling season, Murray recognized the importance of taking a step back from the game. According to Nuggets head coach David Adelman, this break was crucial for Murray’s success this season, both physically and mentally. "This summer, he figured out what he needed to do to prepare for the season," Adelman noted. "In previous summers, he may have overexerted himself or taken too much time off, but this year he struck a balance. It wasn’t just about physical training; he also focused on mental readiness.
"He had a very clear mind. Leadership was great all summer. It just continued into the season. He’s not fighting; he’s playing freely. Watching him play is enjoyable because he seems so relaxed and liberated out there.”
Murray elaborated on his offseason, saying, "After the season ended, I didn’t do anything for at least a month. Then I just got back into lifting, running. I started taking care of my body without the basketball. It was about getting my mind away from the game while still keeping my body in shape and building momentum.
"Now, I’m back healthy, feeling good, and it shows in my play.”
However, one notable aspect of Murray’s career is that he has yet to be named an NBA All-Star. Currently, he ranks 16th in the Western Conference for the 2026 All-Star fan voting, with 260,014 votes. To secure a spot, he will likely need to be selected as a reserve by the Western Conference coaches to join the inaugural World Team roster. Under a new format, the All-Star Game will feature two teams of U.S. players and one international team competing in a round-robin tournament set for February 15 in Los Angeles.
When asked about his aspirations for becoming an All-Star, Murray expressed his ambitions: "All-Star, everything. Scoring champ. MVP. All of it." With the Nuggets facing numerous injuries this season, including those of Jokic, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Cameron Johnson—all key starters—Murray’s performance and leadership are increasingly crucial. Thanks to his contributions, the Nuggets currently hold a solid 24-12 record, placing them fourth in the competitive Western Conference.
Murray believes that if the Nuggets can maintain a healthy roster, they can reclaim their championship status. "It’s going to take consistency, attention to detail, effort, and being focused every night," Murray stated. "There are many strong teams in the West, so we need to bring our best each game. Once we do that, everything will fall into place."
Marc J. Spears serves as the senior NBA writer for Andscape. He humorously notes that while he once could dunk, those days are behind him, and his knees remind him of that fact.
