With a win against the Orlando Magic on Sunday, the Denver Nuggets have won their last five games and remain in fourth place in the Western Conference with a 31-18 record.
The team’s trade deadline acquisition of forward Aaron Gordon has paid dividends so far, with Gordon emerging as one of their top contributors. So before the game against the Magic, Nuggets guard Jamal Murray made it clear that Denver’s goal this season isn't just another deep postseason run but a championship.
Jamal Murray: “You know what time it is, championship on 3. 1…2…3 CHAMPIONSHIP”
He smiles at Jokić. Jokić proceeds to point at Jamal and head off the floor 😭
As M-V-P chants echo through the arena!! pic.twitter.com/2XGTFpHMv9
— Katy Winge (@katywinge) April 5, 2021
Murray’s pre-game speech got the team’s fans hyped up as they broke out into MVP chants. The problem was, Nuggets center Nikola Jokic was supposed to speak after Murray, but he wasn’t able to get a word in as fans serenaded them with cheers.
After the game, Jokic was asked why he didn’t say anything after Murray’s inspiring pre-game speech, and his response was both fitting and hilarious.
Nikola said Jamal Murray said enough pre-game that he didn’t need to say anything else.
“Whatever I say it’s gonna be stupid.” 🤣 https://t.co/BgI7AwI6hc
— Mike Singer (@msinger) April 5, 2021
In Nikola Jokic’s defense, Jamal Murray’s speech was a tough act to follow. It’s hard to come up with a more inspiring speech when his teammate already said that they were gunning for a title.
But while the three-time All-Star froze after Murray’s pre-game speech, he was all business during the game and finished with a near triple-double of 17 points, nine rebounds and 16 assists in Denver’s 119-109 win over Orlando. Murray, meanwhile, seemed set to deliver on his promise of a title as he registered 22 points in the game.
For his part, Gordon led the Nuggets with 24 points against his former team.
With the Nuggets poised for another deep playoff run, Jokic will have his chance to deliver his share of inspiring pre-game speeches. For now, he’s as unselfish with the microphone as he is with the basketball and is letting his teammates do the talking.