When fans and analysts discuss the best duos in the NBA, the first ones that come to mind are LeBron James-Anthony Davis, Luka Doncic-Kyrie Irving, and Giannis Antetokounmpo-Damian Lillard. Rarely do Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets get mentioned. But, if you're asking Murray, he knows he and The Joker and the best of the best, without a doubt in his mind.
Via HoopsHype:
“If you want me to rank where I believe, I think we’re the best duo. I think they’re in a bigger market and people have more interest in LeBron and AD in LA, or what Dame and Giannis could be, or what Luka and Kyrie could do. If we’re talking about the best duos in getting the job done and how they play for each other and with each other, I think me and Jokic are undoubtedly number one.”
It's hard to argue with Murray. I mean, the Nuggets are the reigning NBA champions and Murray played a massive part in their title run in 2022-23. He may not be a superstar, but the Canadian is a consistent player and a crucial piece for Michael Malone's squad.
Jamal Murray speaks on All-Star snubs
Let's be honest. If you're not named an All-Star, you won't be considered one of the better players in the Association. When speaking to HoopsHype, Murray didn't hold back on his thoughts about being snubbed and made it clear: He's better than some of these guys being selected for the ASG:
“I know I’m better than some of the All-Stars that have been selected. It’s not like it really boils down and bothers me like that. I know I don’t need to prove it to myself, right? I think it’s annoying sometimes how just because you haven’t made an All-Star, they don’t put you in certain conversations or whatever for whatever reason when clearly a lot of people would rather take you over others. It’s not like it bothers me too much. It’s one of those things where I’ve got to make it, and clearly, that’s what’s separating me from the greatest, then I’ve got to make an All-Star one of these days. Hopefully, next year.”
Murray's numbers may not scream All-Star, but he just had a career season. The former Kentucky standout averaged 21.2 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.1 rebounds on 42.5% shooting from three-point land. The Nuggets head into the playoffs as the No. 2 seed as they look to defend their title.
In last year's postseason, Murray showed out. He averaged 26.1 points, 7.1 dimes, and 5.7 boards and put up over 30 PPG in the West Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. The bright lights seemingly motivate Murray to be his absolute best:
“I’ve always wanted to show what I can do and be the best in the game. Obviously, everything goes up. Your minutes and usage go up. I like to play with energy and will my team as much as I can to a win. In the playoffs, I’d think you’d want to see the best players play against each other and go tit for tat. I try to prove that I’m better than a lot of these other guys in the league as I’m doing that. Winning a championship definitely helps.”
We'll see if Murray can elevate to another level again in the playoffs. The Nuggets are awaiting their first-round opponent from the Play-In Tournament.
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