Jamal Murray’s terror against Los Angeles teams continues after 43-point night blows out Clippers

Denver Nuggets superstar guard Jamal Murray has a habit of bringing out his best when facing teams from Los Angeles.

Jamal Murray’s terror against Los Angeles teams continues after 43-point night blows out Clippers

Jamal Murray continues to terrorize Los Angeles teams (Image via NBA/X)

One of the most exciting playoff series in this NBA postseason has been between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers. On one side are Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, working with a new coach to advance. On the other side are Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, who want to add to their legacy.

The Nuggets needed overtime to put away the team that finished just below them in the West in Game 1 of this series. The close battles continued, but in Game 2, the Clippers ended up notching an important away win.

In the following game, the Clippers embarrassed the 2023 champions, and the blowout had Jokic animated on the sidelines. Then, in Game 4, the Nuggets needed an Aaron Gordon buzzer-beating dunk off a Jokic missed shot to level the series.

That series-leveling win was important, as it helps teams reset and prepare for the final stretch. Game 5 tonight was back in Colorado, and the Nuggets knew they had to win this one. They pulled clear in the first quarter and then used the third to extend their lead.

In the fourth quarter, the Los Angeles Clippers tried to stage a rally, but Jamal Murray, who had been consistently good all night, continued to answer back. His 43-point burst ended up helping the Mile High City fans enjoy a dominating performance from their team.

Thankfully, he had his night, as Jokic was not efficient from the field. He finished with a triple-double, but his 4-13 resulted in a measly 13 points. The Nuggets do not win when he puts up those kinds of numbers. But when Murray explodes like he does, and especially against Los Angeles teams, they usually win.

Jamal Murray surprised by Nuggets playoff record

After the game, the fans inside Ball Arena were still hanging around, celebrating a crucial win in this neck-and-neck playoff series. Then TNT’s Lauren Jbara informed Jamal Murray that he had set his 6th 40-point playoff game, which also happens to be the most in Denver Nuggets’ history. When asked how he gets into it, he said-

It’s fun. Pure competition, everybody is playing hard, everybody’s playing for something. It’s just fun basketball.

Jamal Murray said

The 28-year-old said this while still being surprised that he holds his team record for most 40-point playoff games. Considering how many legends have played for this team, and he plays alongside one of the best in the world, it might surprise anyone.

At least his performances now place the Nuggets in the driving seat. Game 6 goes back to Los Angeles, where Murray has had electric games. If he can continue his form from tonight, the Nuggets should start making arrangements for the next round.

Charles Barkley believes Game 5 winner will seal series

This playoff series between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Denver Nuggets has changed direction multiple times to keep fans and analysts guessing. However, Inside the NBA analyst, Charles Barkley, predicted that Game 5 would decide the series winner.

Whoever wins this game tonight is going to win the series. You can’t win Game 4 in LA, and come home and lose and think you’re gonna go to LA and win again. That’s just not gonna happen.

Charles Barkley said

The Hall of Famer believes that in the playoffs, certain momentum-changing games matter. He believed that if the Denver Nuggets lost tonight, they would have ceded the series. His logic was that the loss would carry over some weight when they return to Los Angeles for Game 6.

Now, if one had to go by Charles Barkley’s logic, the Denver Nuggets might have booked their ticket to round 2. By winning Games 4 and 5, they now have the positive momentum on their side. On the other hand, the Los Angeles Clippers are heading home with the negative momentum of two straight losses.

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