Before Game 5, the Denver Nuggets were considering not to play Jamal Murray.
He had a left calf strain after the loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 and was listed as questionable for Game 5.
"I came a little earlier to see if I was gonna be able to go. And I felt like I could, they just didn't want me to risk it. They told me no," Murray said in the postgame press conference. He admitted having difficulties even just jumping.
"I didn't say no."
In 40 minutes and 32 seconds of action, he made 32 points, three rebounds, seven assists, and a steal.
"I didn't want to leave my teammates out there. Everybody's been hurt at some point. I just wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't play this game," he said. "I'm just glad they listened to me, just trusting me with it."
And trust the defending champions did.
After LeBron James made two free throws to tie the ball game at 106-all with 26 seconds left, Murray went for the pull-up jumper over Anthony Davis to send the Lakers packing home, 108-106.
JAMAL MURRAY CALLED GAME... AGAIN 🥶 pic.twitter.com/VM9Lzm8qz9
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 30, 2024
Coach Michael Malone shared their conversation after winning the first round, 4-1.
"He goes, 'I'm glad I played, 'cause I don't know if we win if I didn't play tonight,'" Malone recounted Murray saying.
"I said, 'Well, that's the understatement of the year.'"
[ALSO READ: Jamal Murray sends Nuggets to next round after another game-winner against Lakers]
"Kid's a warrior, man. The bigger the moment, the kid continues to shine," Malone added regarding Murray.
The former Finals MVP though said the Nuggets though would have to stick to their game plans if they want to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves--who just eliminated the Phoenix Suns. Denver eliminated Minnesota during the first round last year.
"We gotta be a litle bit more disciplined with the game plan," Murray said. "Just limit turnovers, can't give them life, can't give them extra possessions."
Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals will begin on Sunday, May 5 (Philippine time).
