The Night Jamal Murray Took Over: Nuggets Find Their Spark
If there was ever a moment when Jamal Murray erased all doubts about his star power, it happened in Game 5 of the 2025 NBA playoffs. Inside a roaring Ball Arena, Murray poured in 43 points on a scorching 17-for-26 shooting night, draining eight threes and dishing out seven assists. This wasn’t just a hot hand—it was vintage Murray, the kind fans remembered from that wild 2020 bubble run, but with even more polish and poise.
He didn't do it alone, but he sure set the tone. Every clutch basket silenced the Los Angeles Clippers, and every big play electrified the Denver crowd. Lost in the numbers is the swagger—a behind-the-back pass here, a perfectly timed steal there. He corralled five rebounds, picked off three passes, swatted a shot, and commanded the floor as if this game had been written for him. Nuggets staff and fans were quick to pick up on it, with leadership gushing, “He was born for this.”
Murray’s eruption meant even more considering the timing. Just weeks ago, the Nuggets’ universe got a jolt—coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth both left the organization. Throw in superstar Nikola Jokić shifting into a new, louder leadership role, and the locker room could’ve easily unraveled. Instead, Murray’s focus and energy tightened the group’s resolve.
Westbrook’s Return and Jokić’s Voice: The New Nuggets Identity
The game also saw Russell Westbrook’s much-anticipated return. His 21 points and feverish tempo fit right in, giving Denver another layer alongside Murray’s offensive fireworks. With Westbrook back in stride, Denver’s ball movement looked crisper, and the offense clicked at a wild pace—scoring 131 points against a reputable Clippers defense.
Meanwhile, Jokić—usually understated—embraced his captaincy in new ways. During postgame interviews, he spoke about putting trust in teammates and keeping everyone aligned after the team’s front office shakeup. Murray, too, called out the importance of “staying on the same page,” highlighting the impact of unity over the chaos swirling around the organization. He even mentioned the Ball Arena crowd, whose noise levels crested with every Murray dagger three, as a real source of fuel during big moments.
The revitalized chemistry showed up everywhere. Possessions were patient but forceful; transition plays ran with confidence. Murray’s ability to create his own shot—and draw defenders to open up looks for others—has handed Denver a clear identity: they’re most dangerous when the ball zips between stars, and when everyone is bought in, regardless of whatever is going on behind the scenes.
With the Nuggets now holding a 3-2 series advantage, eyes shift to Game 6 in Los Angeles. The team knows they’re just one win away from advancing, but the message from Murray is simple: keep trusting each other, keep feeding off the energy, and ride the chemistry that’s making them a real threat in this postseason. After a night like that, it’s clear he’s not ready for this story to end.