With the Oklahoma City Thunder looking historically dominant, the Denver Nuggets must reach their absolute ceiling to dethrone the reigning champions and secure a second title in their franchise’s history. The foundation for this pursuit was laid during a savvy offseason focused on improving the roster’s depth. This has already paid dividends as Denver has had a much smoother regular season despite several injuries to key personnel, especially to the defensive pillars in Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun.
However, the true source for renewed optimism for Denver’s title hopes is the resurgence of Jamal Murray. Following two inconsistent campaigns, the Canadian is currently having a career year, recapturing the incredible form he had during the 2023 championship run. This resurgence might finally lead to his first All-Star selection, giving the Nuggets an incredibly threatening secondary offensive option from the perimeter. One capable of superstar-level production.
The Nuggets Will Only Go as Far as Jamal Murray Takes Them
It’s undeniable that any success the Nuggets achieve begins and ends with Nikola Jokic. But the past two seasons have made it clear that Denver needs a reliable secondary star to contend in an exceptionally strong Western Conference, particularly this season. Even a three-time MVP needs his dependable Robin to topple a juggernaut like the Thunder.
The 2023 version of Murray could fill that role perfectly. He ruthlessly tormented, especially the Suns and Lakers, outplaying stars like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Anthony Davis, and LeBron James in the process. That version of Murray made Denver unstoppable during their championship run. Against teams like the Thunder—who boast deeper rosters and can throw multiple looks at the Nuggets—having a top-three performer on the floor at all times could tip the scales in Denver’s favor.
The New Acquisitions Have Eased Jamal Murray’s Resurgence
Murray has flourished as the bench unit’s primary creator, with his minutes staggered from Jokic’s to ensure a reliable playmaker is always on the floor. In the past, this was a struggle—the Canadian couldn’t generate consistently good looks with a bench bereft of offensive talent. That’s where the Jonas Valanciunas acquisition has proven crucial. While much of the attention has centered on how capably he fills in for Jokic and has limited the drop-off in those dreaded minutes, the Blue Arrow may be the biggest beneficiary.
For the first time, Murray has a legitimate pick-and-roll partner with the second unit—one who can at least approximate the incredible synergy he shares with his longtime Serbian partner. The Lithuanian sets amazing screens, poses a real threat as a roller, and offers a low-risk outlet through a simple post-up when the play breaks down.
The Nuggets are clearly improved from a year ago. Beyond the acquisition of Big Val, Denver’s depth has taken a major leap forward. Free-agent additions like Tim Hardaway Jr., the return of Bruce Brown, and the continued development of Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones have given the Nuggets far greater versatility and optionality on both ends of the floor. But in the end, playoff series are decided by stars. That’s why Murray’s return to borderline superstar form—arguably as the league’s best second option—matters more than anything else for Denver’s championship hopes.
Sacrificing Stats for Team Success and Getting No Credit
Contrary to popular discourse labeling Murray an overpaid fair-weather player—a false narrative his former teammate Michael Porter Jr. also faced—it ignores the reality that both have shown remarkable maturity early in their careers, accepting that the Serbian big man is the focal point of the franchise and that, in order to maximize success, they would need to step back for the good of the team.
Over several years, Murray steadily developed into a solid defender, albeit at the expense of some offensive production. Of course, he is not a lockdown defender, but he was more than capable of being a reliable cog in a championship-caliber defensive machine.
The One Caveat to All of This
That said, it’s important to acknowledge that Murray has undergone a steady decline on both ends of the floor since 2023. Unlike his offensive struggles, however, the defensive issues have not shown any signs of correction this season.
Opponents relentlessly targeted him throughout last year’s postseason. The Clippers stars hunted him in switches, as did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the second round against Oklahoma City. While Denver’s defensive intensity typically ramps up come playoff time—most notably reflected in the dramatic difference in Jokic’s effort compared to the regular season—Murray has been able to do the same.
That is why Denver’s defense has looked so fragile this season. Of course, the absences of Gordon and Braun are major factors. While Watson and Jones have done an admirable job stepping into those roles, it’s simply not enough to offset the defensive deficiencies of Denver’s two stars.
A Career Year that Will Culminate with His First All-Star Selection
At the end of the day, none of this diminishes the fact that Jamal Murray is in the midst of a career year—one that will hopefully culminate in his first All-Star appearance. While that recognition would be a well-earned validation of the work he has put in, not only this season but throughout his entire career, individual accolades ultimately pale in comparison to the larger objective. The true goal remains leading the Nuggets to a second championship in franchise history, and that pursuit is made possible by Murray’s resurgence.
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