The big day is approaching. The Nuggets’ 2023 NBA Championship banner will be raised at Ball Arena in about 48 hours.

Jamal Murray is looking forward to the moment. But most of all, he’s looking forward to the start of a new season and putting the Nuggets’ title celebration behind him.

“It’s over for me,” Murray stated emphatically when asked how he’ll move past the ring night celebration and onto the task at hand this season. “A new year has begun. We have to do it again. That was a fantastic year. It’s been a fantastic summer, but ring night is Game 1, so we must go on.”

“The first game is on Tuesday. Ring night is fantastic. It’s a fantastic night. But, at the end of the day, we have to win a game.”

With such words, Murray appears to be speaking for the entire Nuggets locker room. The Nuggets want to enjoy the present. They can’t wait to hoist a banner to the rafters of Ball Arena and collect their championship rings.

They’re more excited to start the next season and work toward their objective of back-to-back championships.

“I said it after we won. “Winning a championship isn’t enough for me,” Michael Malone remarked on Sunday. “My goal is to make this team a dynasty, and we’re going to try to do everything we can to make that a reality.”

On Tuesday, the Nuggets will begin their pursuit of that dynasty. And their lucky opponent is the team they swept in the Conference Finals.

Murray was asked at practice if he minds that the Nuggets play the Lakers on opening night.

He laughed as soon as he heard the question, presumably at the summer’s talk in Los Angeles and the current storyline surrounding the Nuggets-Lakers clash.

“No,” Murray replied. “That’s all I have for you. I just go play basketball and have a good time.”

Murray discusses the Nuggets’ preparation.

According to Murray’s observations in practice, the Nuggets will not be a finished product on opening night.

“I think it’s going to be a different year,” Murray predicted. “We’re going to make a lot of mistakes.” We’re going to appear lazy a lot based on what I’m seeing and what I know we’re capable of.”

Murray then elaborated.

“I’m not lazy. “A little sloppy with turnovers,” he said. “It’s not as sharp. I wouldn’t call myself lazy. We’re not as sharp as we used to be, nor are we as consistent. I’m just trying to get back on track. Just trying to be open and honest about how we can improve.”