Jamal Murray‘s breakout on a postseason stage occurred during the 2020 playoffs in the Orlando bubble, when he averaged 26.5 points and 6.6 assists with a .505/.453/.897 shooting line in 19 games as the Nuggets made the Western Conference Finals.
Between then and now, Murray has had to endure a lengthy recovery process from an ACL tear, but he’s off to a great start in the 2023 postseason, putting up 32.0 PPG and 6.5 APG on .500/.500/.909 shooting in his first two games against Minnesota. Teammate Michael Porter Jr. told reporters this week that Murray “looks better than ever,” as Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN relays.
For his part, the star guard is eager to prove that “Bubble Murray” isn’t just a moniker to live up to — it’s a level he believes he can surpass.
“People say, ‘Oh, that’s like vintage (Murray),'” he told Youngmisuk, referring to the “Bubble Murray” term. “It’s like, I haven’t even hit my best. … I feel like people are making that to be the best that’s been seen. And I’m thinking that was just the beginning.”
Here’s more from around the Northwest:
- Like Murray, Porter has had to overcome injury issues to get to where he’s at with the top-seeded Nuggets this spring, as Nick Kosmider of The Athletic details. Porter has undergone multiple back surgeries, including one procedure that wiped out his rookie year and another that limited him to nine games in 2021/22. “Injuries have definitely made my basketball career a little different path than I would have wished for growing up,” Porter said. “But I’m here in the playoffs, and it is a dream come true. I’m playing for the No. 1 team in the West. I’m playing a lot of minutes for the No. 1 team in the West and we’re up 2-0 in (the first round of) the playoffs. It’s all you can ask for.”
- Speaking to local reporters on Thursday in his end-of-season presser, Thunder head of basketball operations Sam Presti didn’t rule out the possibility of last year’s No. 2 overall pick Chet Holmgren playing for OKC’s Summer League squad and stressed that he wants to see the team become more physical going forward, per Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman. “A lot of people think about physicality, and they think about one side of the ball, they think about defense,” Presti said. “Offensively I think there’s room for us to get more physical. You can see that at the free throw line. We were last in the league of getting into the bonus before our opponent. That’s not a place you want to be.”
- If Jordan Clarkson declines his player option for 2023/24, the opportunity to play for a winning team will be a top priority as he weighs his options in free agency, writes Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune. However, that doesn’t mean Clarkson would rule out the retooling Jazz, who exceeded expectations this past season and are well positioned to keep improving. “Everybody this year really took steps super fast and grew super fast,” Clarkson said. “I think next year we’ll be back to our winning ways, with a chance to compete for something.”
Nuggets are GOAT
Someone is obsessed with mickey deez lol power to you I prefer big mac
I literally read that 20 times and still can’t figure out what you’re trying to say…I do know you’re a troll but not a very good one lol
I’m a bit torn on bringing back Clarkson to the Jazz:
On the one hand, he has a nice chill vibe that helps a locker room. Although, it didn’t help the previous year.
He’s an impact scorer and playmaker. He can score quickly and doesn’t need much space or any plays called for him. However, that can lead to stretches of slumps when his streaky shooting is off.
He was clutch at the end of games quite a bit this year. Helped the Jazz win in the early part of the year. However, then there were times when he would make really goofy decisions. Could be that he’s still learning his new role, much like THT did. However, it could be that he’s just not as smart as what the Jazz need in a co-lead role.
The big question is the contract length and for how much? If either prevent the Jazz from signing another position or player they need more then it might be time to part ways.
Not sure I’d want the Jazz to spend $25M on him over many years. The Jazz just got away from two big nasty contracts. We want a more balanced roster with lots of ball movement. Clarkson’s hero ball and hero contract would be a stopper to that. THT, at least is much younger and more pliable.
Thoughts?
Always rooting for Clarkson. In a ‘right’ environment he can be an effective and indispensable tool. Not the best fit for the current Jazz. Wish him best of luck, one of the good guys.