There have been four 50-point games in the 2018-19 season so far. On Monday night, Denver Nuggets shooting guard Jamal Murray nearly became the fifth player to score at least 50 points but his three-pointer with a second to go was off. Instead, he finished with only 48 points along with the ire of the Boston Celtics Kyrie Irving. The Nuggets beat the Celtics 115-107.
With 10.9 seconds to go and the ballgame already in the bag, Murray needed two more points to reach 50, a career achievement for most NBA players, especially for non-All-Stars.
As the game was about to end, Jamal Murray seemingly was dribbling out the clock, content to let the game end without a shot attempt that would propel him to the coveted milestone. The Celtics weren’t guarding anyone at that point and were even headed to their bench with still seconds to go when Murray suddenly attempted a three-pointer.
Kyrie Irving not thrilled (maybe with Murray gunning for 50 there at end?) Just rifled a ball about 50 rows deep after the buzzer.
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) November 6, 2018
Incensed with Jamal Murray’s attempt to go for 50 with the game already decided, Irving flung the ball high up to supposedly let the crowd have the game ball. Usually, players receive the ball after a scintillating game such as the one that Murray had. Rather than letting the Nuggets shooting guard get it, Irving decided that Jamal Murray didn’t deserve it.
Murray dribbles out the clock and then launches a 28-footer at buzzer. No good, Finishes with 48. After that attempt, Kyrie takes ball and throws it into stands, obviously not happy with Murray going for 50. #Nuggets #Celtics
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) November 6, 2018
Kyrie congratulated Jamal Murray but said about taking a 3 with one second left: " The ball deserves to go into the crowd after a bullshit move like that." #Celtics #Nuggets
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) November 6, 2018
To his credit, Kyrie Irving also had a big game with 31 points and five assists despite the loss.