23.09.2020
08:08
The Denver Nuggets point guard was the great figure in his team's 114-106 victory in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals
September 23, 2020 Share on FacebookShare Share on TwitterTweet Share on WhatsAppShareThe minute of Jamal Murray that defined the game for Denver against Lakers
A new day of the NBA playoffs passed in the Orlando bubble that showed how Jamal Murray is becoming, step by step, a new star of the best basketball league in the world. This was confirmed after completing a brilliant performance in the third game of the Western Conference finals for the Denver Nuggets 114-106 against LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers .
The scenario in the previous one was complicated for the team led by Michael Malone: with a 0-2 deficit, it was decisive for Denver to achieve a victory and it was achieved by the hand of its two figures. The Serbian Nikola Jokic added 22 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists, but Murray was the great protagonist at the end of the game. With three key appearances in a minute of play left, the 27th Nuggets donned the cape and was the hero in the franchise's first series win against the Los Angeles team.
After squandering a 20-point difference, Jamal took over the ball and hit an all-important 3-pointer in Alex Caruso's face. In the next offensive, the 23-year-old guard from the University of Kentucky returned to take the ball and penetrated to try to score two points, but in front of the iron defense presented by the Lakers, he took the opportunity to grab all the attention and gave it a great pass to Milsap, who added two points for the Nuggets. With less than 60 seconds remaining for the closing and with a nine-point lead (108-99), the Canadian waited until the end of Denver's possession and, almost 9 meters from the rim and with the giant Antonhy Davis in front, he scored a kilometer-long three-point shot that sentenced the duel .
Murray was the most valuable of the game: he finished with 28 points, with a high efficiency in field goals – he finished with 10 of 17 and a 4-8 in triples – and he distributed 12 assists and took 8 rebounds . At the end of the match, the figure in Denver's win spoke to the press and said: “I try to be aggressive. Be aggressive with my shot, attacking the rim. Be aggressive towards my teammates, so they know what I'm doing. The most important thing is the energy I bring, ”said the 1.93 meter player.
“When you are a vocal leader, pushing everyone, they tend to follow you. It's nice to see my classmates have fun like today. I am happy with the victory and hopefully we can keep it, “added Murray.
Jamal Murray's elbow to LeBron James
Beyond being the best on the court, Murray was also the protagonist of the controversy of the duel against the Lakers. In the third quarter of the game, in full defense, Jamal elbowed LeBron James, who ended up lying on the ground . After several seconds on the parquet, the 23 LA got up and took his face. The referees saw the repetition of the play and declared it flagrant 1.
Another of those who spoke with the media in Orlando was the coach of the Nuggets. Malone seized the opportunity and raved about one of his stars. “I think it has really improved. When you look at these three series we've played, it's really starting to get respect from the other teams. They are putting together game plans for him, double marking him, defending him in different ways ”, remarked the coach. And he added: “I would say that Jamal is a complete player. He is not just a scorer. He's a playmaker, he can rebound for his position and these 16 or 17 Playoff games are the best I've seen him defend ”.
After his series performances against the Utah Jazz, the Los Angeles Clippers and the first three games against the Lakers, Jamal Murray's numbers confirm his status as an NBA star . He's averaging more than 26 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds with more than 50 percent shooting on the court and an amazing 47.7% shooting from three points.
Summary of Denver's triumph against the LA Lakers
The summary of the victory of Denver Nuggets against LA Lakers for game 3 of the West finals
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