Nuggets’ Jamal Murray: ‘We Want To Finish This In LA’

Murray erupted for 43 points Tuesday night, powering the Nuggets to a 112–95 win over Los Angeles in Game 5. Denver is up 3–2 in the first-round series.

Some of the shots he made were “absolutely ridiculous,” interim head coach David Adelman said, via Tony Jones of The Athletic.

But it wasn’t all flair. The Nuggets moved the ball, screened hard, and gave their star guard the space he needed. And Murray? “He was born for this,” Adelman said.

After a pair of uneven outings and a minor calf issue earlier in the series, Murray looked like the playoff killer we have seen before. 

The win was more than just another night in the scoring column. It gave Denver momentum heading back to Los Angeles for Thursday’s Game 6 — and another opportunity to close out a physical series before it stretches too far.

“Playing the Clippers is always a war,” Murray told reporters. “So we wanted to come in and set the tone early.”

They did. With Nikola Jokic limited to just 13 points, the Nuggets leaned on others. Murray’s hot hand led the way, but Russell Westbrook gave Denver a major boost off the bench, scoring 21 points in 25 minutes and sparking the crowd with his energy.

“He’s coming in hitting threes, playing defense, doing so many things on the court,” Murray said. “We’re going to need more of that.”

The Nuggets are also getting it done on the other end. Christian Braun’s gritty defense has slowed down James Harden, who’s scored a combined 26 points in the last two games. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged Denver’s scheme is working and said he needs to find ways to get Harden more isolation looks.

“They’ve made their mind up they’re going to try to take him out of the series,” Lue said. “They’re doing a good job.”

Meanwhile, the Clippers couldn’t capitalize on Denver’s modest scoring night from Jokić — something few teams get away with.

“Holding Joker to 13 points and losing the game is tough,” Lue added. “But that’s how he beats you. If you worry about him too much, other guys can beat you.”

The Nuggets had five players score in double figures, won the rebounding battle, and hit 15 threes. It was the kind of collective performance that has defined their postseason runs in recent years — and one that puts them a step closer to a second-round matchup.

“We don’t want to let this drag out,” said Murray. “We want to finish this in L.A.”