Author: Monojit Mandal
After a long and arduous road to rehabilitation from a ruptured ACL, Jamal Murray made a strong return to the NBA playoffs. The Nuggets took a 2-0 lead in the series in Minneapolis thanks to the Canadian point guard’s 40-point outburst against the Timberwolves. Murray was playing his second playoff game in more than three years and showed no signs of rust as he guided his team to a thrilling triumph.
Murray’s most recent postseason appearance was during the 2020 “Bubble” in Orlando, when he was in spectacular form, scoring 50 points in Games 4 and 6, and 42 points in Game 5 of the Nuggets’ first-round series against the Jazz. He then scored 40 points in Game 7 against the Clippers, taking his club to the Western Conference finals. Despite losing the series to the Lakers, Murray’s star grew and he became an overnight celebrity.
Murray’s subsequent absence from the playoffs due to injury, however, meant that he was unable to capitalize on his newfound celebrity. Instead, he had to sit on the sidelines and watch his teammates compete for the grand prize. Murray must have had a tough time, but he persevered and returned to the court at the start of this season.
This season, the Nuggets have gone unnoticed, with much of the emphasis placed on star-studded clubs like the Suns, Clippers, Lakers and Grizzlies. However, Murray’s return to form serves as a reminder that the Nuggets are serious title contenders. Murray, together with MVP Nikola Jokic, make a powerful duo that can compete with anyone in the NBA.
Murray’s performance on Wednesday night hinted at the explosive potential that has made him a rising star. Murray has finally arrived after a long journey and is determined to make the most of his second chance. The Nuggets seem to be a team with a mission, and it will be interesting to see how far they can go in this year’s playoffs. One thing is certain: with Jamal Murray back in the line-up, they will be a formidable opponent.