Ahead of the NBA playoffs and his quest to help Denver repeat as champions, Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray discussed how he’s been able to raise his game in the playoffs, why he wants to remain a Nugget long-term, how he feels about not being selected as an All-Star yet, where he and Nikola Jokic rank as a duo, why Jokic should be MVP, how coach Michael Malone is behind the scenes, his new hilarious Cheetos “Other Hand” campaign, and more with HoopsHype.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
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JM: There are obviously other amazing candidates that could win the award and are playing at a very high level and gearing their teams up for the playoffs, but I just don’t think anybody has a strong enough argument to beat Nikola as we’re the best team in the league with the No. 1 seed in the West (tied) in the toughest conference. His numbers are getting better every year, so you can’t say it’s a stats thing that he’s not playing up to par with his first MVP. I don’t think there’s a portfolio or resume that’s going to match Nikola’s.
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JM: If you want me to rank where I believe, I think we’re the best duo. I think they’re in a bigger market and people have more interest 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 best duos in getting the job done and how they play for each other and with each other, I think me and Jokic are undoubtedly number one.
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JM: It feels like home. They’ve treated me as family. It’s been reciprocated and vice versa. I spent six months in Kentucky and then, as a Canadian, I went to Denver and that was the only other state I really spent time in. This feels like a second home and being able to develop chemistry with these guys on and off the court, I think not a lot of people and teams in the league have this kind of chemistry where they’re winning at a high level, they genuinely enjoy each other and spend time with each other off the court. I think it’s a lot of fun in this position I’m in to be able to play pure basketball that’s not forced. There’s less chaos. It’s a family environment. I’m blessed to be in Denver and have them love me as one.
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JM: I’ve always wanted to show what I can do and be the best in the game. Obviously, everything goes up. Your minutes and usage go up. I like to play with energy and will my team as much as I can to a win. In the playoffs, I’d think you’d want to see the best players play against each other and go tit for tat. I try to prove that I’m better than a lot of these other guys in the league as I’m doing that. Winning a championship definitely helps.
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JM: I know I’m better than some of the All-Stars that have been selected. It’s not like it really boils down and bothers me like that. I know I don’t need to prove it to myself, right? I think it’s annoying sometimes how just because you haven’t made an All-Star, they don’t put you in certain conversations or whatever for whatever reason when clearly a lot of people would rather take you over others. It’s not like it bothers me too much. It’s one of those things where I’ve got to make it, and clearly, that’s what’s separating me from the greatest, then I’ve got to make an All-Star one of these days. Hopefully, next year.
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JM: He’s someone that’s really motivated and tries to get everyone disciplined and united. I think that’s the biggest thing. He doesn’t want us to not believe in ourselves and play with no confidence or not trust each other. I think the main thing is he tries to make sure that we’re always unified in the highs and lows, which I really appreciate. I try to do the same for him. I think the best part is that we can be accountable for each other and there will be no bad blood in between. It’s a real free conversation. That’s another thing about not leaving Denver. I’ve gotten to build that kind of relationship with the coach over eight years. He’s gotten to do it with Jokic for nine years. All that stuff really helps and it’s a key factor for us this time of the year.
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Jamal Murray: Yeah, for sure. I was trying to get goofy and use my other hand for stuff and obviously, it doesn’t go as planned when you’re using your off hand, so that was definitely the point of the high fives.
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JM: Anything. Whether it’s tying my shoes, playing video games, or eating Cheetos as a snack. You always get the dust on you, so I try to use my other hand to try to accomplish tasks, and they don’t go as planned. The high five was the perfect representation of that.
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