Home Basketball Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray praises Nikola Jokic: ‘I think we’re the best duo’

Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray praises Nikola Jokic: ‘I think we’re the best duo’

Basketball — 04/16/2024

When fans and commentators talk about the best NBA duos, the names that immediately to mind are LeBron James-Anthony Davis, Luka Doncic-Kyrie Irving, and Giannis Antetokounmpo-Damian Lillard. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets are rarely addressed. But, if you ask Murray, he is confident that he and The Joker are the greatest of the best.

Via HoopsHype:Photo: Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic in Nuggets jerseys beside each other in action with crowns on their heads, have Murray saying "We're the top duo"

“If you ask me to rank them, I believe we are the best duo. I believe they are in a larger market, and people are more interested in LeBron and AD in LA, or what Dame and Giannis could be, or what Luka and Kyrie could do. If we’re talking about the top duos in terms of performance and how they play for and with one another, I believe Jokic and I are unquestionably the best.”

It’s hard to disagree with Murray. I mean, the Nuggets are the reigning NBA champions, and Murray played a significant role in their championship run in 2022-23. He may not be a superstar, but the Canadian is a reliable performer and an important part of Michael Malone’s team.

Jamal Murray on All-Star snubs

 Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) dribbles while Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson (45) defends during the first half at FedExForum.

Petre Thomas/USA TODAY Sports

Let us be honest. If you are not named an All-Star, you will not be regarded as one of the best players in the Association. When chatting with HoopsHype, Murray didn’t hold back on his feelings about being snubbed, making it clear: He’s better than some of these guys being selected for the ASG.

“I know I am better than some of the All-Stars who have been chosen. It’s not like it actually boils down and affects me in that way. I understand I don’t have to prove it to myself, right? I believe it’s annoying sometimes how, just because you haven’t made an All-Star, they don’t include you in certain chats or whatever for whatever reason, despite the fact that plainly a lot of people would rather have you over others. It’s not like it upsets me that much. It’s one of those things where I’ve got to make it, and clearly, that’s what separates me from the best, and then I’ve got to become an All-Star one day. “Hopefully next year.”

Murray’s stats may not scream All-Star, but he recently enjoyed a career season. The former Kentucky standout averaged 21.2 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 42.5% from three-point range. The Nuggets enter the playoffs as the No. 2 seed, looking to defend their title.

Murray performed admirably during last year’s postseason. In the West Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, he averaged 26.1 points, 7.1 assists, and 5.7 rebounds while also scoring more than 30 points per game. The bright lights appear to push Murray to do his greatest best:

“I’ve always wanted to demonstrate my abilities and become the best in the game. Obviously, everything moves upward. Your minutes and usage increase. I enjoy playing with vigor and giving my all to help my team win. In the playoffs, I would expect to see the best players battle head-to-head. While doing so, I aim to demonstrate that I am superior to many of the other players in the league. Winning a championship certainly helps.”

We’ll see if Murray can reach another level in the playoffs. The Nuggets are awaiting their first-round opponent in the Play-In Tournament.