Nuggets' Michael Malone dubs Jamal Murray a 'superstar' after Game 3 performance

Jamal Murray wants it to be known that Nikola Jokic isn't the only star on the Denver Nuggets roster. The 23-year-old guard helped lift the Nuggets to their first win in the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, and it was one of his best performances yet. 

Murray finished the game with 28 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds in the Nuggets' 114-106 win, and head coach Michael Malone couldn't help but praise the Kentucky product. 

"I know every night what I'm getting from Jamal," Malone said postgame, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "Last year, we knew what we were getting from Nikola (Jokic), but what kind of game would Jamal have? That's no longer the case.

"We have two superstars in Nikola and Jamal."

Murray has been unbelievable in this year's postseason. During the regular season, he averaged 18.5 points and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 45.6 % from the field and 34.6 % from beyond the arc. His postseason numbers have significantly improved, Murray now is averaging 26.6 points and 6.5 assists per game while shooting 50.5 % from the field and 47.4 % from three-point range. 

Currently, Murray ranks ninth in postseason scoring and leads all players with 62 three-pointers. 

According to NBA.com's advanced statistics, Murray is thriving in the clutch, averaging 4.3 points on 60% shooting within the last five minutes of a game with a point differential five points or less. From beyond the arc in those situations, he's shooting 72.7 %. 

The Nuggets nearly blew their lead on Tuesday against the Lakers, but Murray drilled a couple of late threes to ensure Denver's victory. 

With Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals on Thursday, Murray and the Nuggets will be looking to even the series.