The Denver Nuggets were the surprise team of the 2020 NBA Playoffs, knocking off the heavily-favored L.A. Clippers and advancing to the Western Conference Finals. They became the first team to ever come back from a 3-1 deficit twice in the same playoffs as Jamal Murray took his game to another level.

How did they do this?

Having a superstar center in Nikola Jokic helps, but the Nuggets' playoff success was largely due to the breakout play of the Canadian guard. As a result of his impressive breakout performance, Murray won Sports Illustrated's ‘Breakout Player' award.

Jamal Murray was lights out in the playoffs, averaging 26.5 points and 6.6 assists per game on over 50% shooting from the field. He also shot over 45% from three and 90% from the free-throw line.

Murray's averages do not do justice to his playoff dominance, however.

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He put up 50 points twice in the Nuggets' first-round matchup against the Jazz. He also had two 40-point performances, including one in Game 7 against the L.A. Clippers, propelling the Nuggets to the conference finals. He was remarkable.

This will be the first of many awards Jamal Murray will earn throughout his career. The 23-year-old demonstrated dominance at the highest level. The sky is the limit for this youngster.

The Nuggets lost Jerami Grant this offseason, but they look to remain competitive in the Western Conference behind Jokic and Murray.

It may be a tall task in the Western Conference, but it shouldn't be too much to ask from the Sports Illustrated Breakout Player of the Year.