DENVER — Jamal Murray showcased his scoring prowess once again, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 131-115 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 5 of their playoff series on Tuesday night. His impressive 43-point performance propelled the Nuggets to a critical 3-2 series lead, with Game 6 set for Thursday in Los Angeles.
Murray, shooting 17-of-26 from the field, not only marked another chapter in his playoff legacy with this sixth career game exceeding 40 points, but he also made eight three-pointers—tying him for one of the highest postseason tallies in history. His ability to shine in crucial moments was a testament to his resilience, especially coming off a hamstring injury that sidelined him for several games earlier this season.
“Moments like this are what it’s all about,” Murray said postgame, reflecting on the teamwork displayed by the Nuggets. “Everyone was on the same page, covering for each other, adjusting to their runs. We figured it out as a team.”
Under interim coach David Adelman’s leadership following the recent dismissals of head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, Denver seemed to have rediscovered its competitive edge. Murray noted the back-and-forth nature of the series and enjoyed the tactical adjustments both teams brought to the court.
“Playing against top defenders year after year builds good relationships,” Murray added, referring to his matchup with Clippers’ Kris Dunn, who was drafted two spots ahead of him. “It’s always a fun battle.”
The Nuggets faced a challenging start to the series, having claimed Game 1 before faltering in Games 2 and 3, struggling with injuries to key players like Michael Porter Jr. and Russell Westbrook. Yet, the team found renewed confidence in recent outings, dominating both Games 4 and 5 with physical play and sharp shooting.
Notably, Murray and Westbrook were instrumental in the win, combining for an impressive shooting percentage while matching the entire Clippers team in three-point shooting. Westbrook’s contributions alongside Murray’s breakout performance underscored the importance of depth for the Nuggets.
Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic had a quieter game, contributing 13 points but securing a triple-double with 12 assists and 10 rebounds. Adelman emphasized the significance of Murray’s scoring, especially when paired with Jokic. “It’s fantastic when he steps up; we needed that tonight,” he remarked.
The Clippers, despite strong efforts from their starters—including Ivica Zubac’s 27 points—struggled offensively, particularly James Harden, who only managed five assists in 35 minutes and was limited in his involvement. This marked one of his less impactful games of the series, as Denver’s defense effectively contained his touches and scoring opportunities.
As the series continues, both teams will be looking to make critical adjustments. With a potential elimination looming, the Nuggets aim to leverage their momentum, while the Clippers will depend on their star players to rally back in front of their home crowd.