As the Denver Nuggets navigate the intense pressures of the NBA playoffs, Jamal Murray’s performance has been a focal point for fans and analysts alike. Despite his occasional moments of brilliance, such as the two buzzer-beaters against the Lakers in the first round, Jamal Murray’s overall performance has been underwhelming. This postseason, the Nuggets guard is shooting a dismal 39.1% from the field and an even more concerning 31.3% from three-point range.
These figures are significant drops from his career-high regular-season marks of 48.1% and 42.5%, respectively.
Jamal Murray: Struggling to Find Rhythm
It’s not for lack of opportunity that Jamal Murray’s shooting percentages have plummeted. Leading his team with 20.2 field goal attempts per game, Murray has had ample chances to make his mark. Yet, the inefficiency is stark. For context, Nikola Jokic, with fewer shots (19.6 attempts per game), is averaging nearly nine more points per game than Murray (28.2 to 19.3).
This discrepancy highlights a troubling trend. Murray’s postseason inefficiency is reminiscent of Celtics legend John Havlicek’s 1965 playoff run, where Havlicek averaged 18.5 points from 20.8 attempts per game, shooting 35.2% from the field. Such historical comparisons only underscore the severity of Jamal Murray’s current shooting slump.
The Numbers Tell the Story
StatMuse highlights the historical context of Jamal Murray’s postseason performance, noting that only Bob Cousy (1951) and John Havlicek (1965) have averaged fewer points per game on 20+ field goal attempts in a single playoff run. This puts Murray in a category that no player wants to be in, emphasizing the magnitude of his struggles.
Jamal Murray this postseason:
- 19.3 PPG
- 20.2 FGA
Such statistics reveal a player who, despite his talent and previous playoff heroics, is grappling with a significant drop in efficiency. This inefficiency came to a head during the Nuggets’ Game 6 loss to the Timberwolves, where Jamal Murray shot a dismal 4-of-18 from the field and recorded the worst plus-minus (-32) among his teammates.
The Impact of Injury
Jamal Murray attributed part of his poor performance in Game 6 to an injury, specifically a hyperextended elbow he sustained early in the game. “I put some numbing cream on [the elbow], so I didn’t have to feel it every time I extended,” Murray told reporters. “I was never really able to get into my rhythm again, and my team obviously needed me to tonight, and I didn’t.”
This injury undoubtedly played a role in his struggles, but it also raises questions about his ability to bounce back in time for the crucial Game 7. Jamal Murray expressed optimism about his recovery, but if his shooting woes continue, the Nuggets’ season could be in jeopardy.
Looking Ahead
As the Nuggets prepare for the decisive Game 7, all eyes will be on Jamal Murray. His ability to overcome this shooting slump and return to his usual form could be the key to Denver’s playoff survival. The pressure is immense, but so is the potential for redemption. Will Jamal Murray rise to the occasion, or will his historically bad postseason mark the end of the Nuggets’ championship aspirations this year?
