"I was wearing his jersey": Jamal Murray honored to square off against childhood hero LeBron James
Denver Nuggets star guard Jamal Murray ended the LA Lakers' season on Monday, hitting a game-winning jumper in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series. Following Denver's thrilling 108-106 win to secure its 4-1 series victory, Murray paid respect to Lakers superstar forward LeBron James.
Despite playing through a strained left calf, Murray finished with a game-high 32 points, seven assists and five 3-pointers on 46.4% shooting. He also made a series of clutch baskets, including converting a poster dunk over James to break a 95-95 tie with 4:12 remaining.
The 27-year-old's sensational performance culminated with him nailing a running jumper to put Denver up 108-106 with 3.6 seconds to go. LA had no timeouts left, resulting in forward Taurean Prince attempting a contested halfcourt heave at the buzzer, which was well off the mark.
After the Nuggets staved off the Lakers, Murray praised James, who led LA with 30 points, nine rebounds, 11 assists and four steals on 52.4% shooting.
Murray highlighted how honored he was to have another playoff duel against one of his childhood heroes.
"I remember when I was a little kid and he was playing against Orlando when he was in Cleveland, and I was wearing his jersey," Murray said. "... He's been one of my favorite players for a [long] time, and it's just a pleasure to go against him."
With Monday's Game 5 victory, Murray's Nuggets have eliminated James' Lakers in back-to-back postseasons. However, this year's series will likely be especially memorable for Murray considering the dramatic fashion in which he closed out his childhood idol.
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Jamal Murray on overcoming calf injury to eliminate LeBron James and Lakers from playoffs
Jamal Murray's clutch Game 5 performance nearly never came to fruition, as he noted that Denver's medical staff tried to rule him out pregame. However, according to Murray, he risked playing through his calf injury, as he couldn't pass up a chance to advance to the Western Conference semifinals.
“I came in a little earlier today to see if I was going to be able to go, and I felt like I could, and they just didn't want me to risk it,” Murray said. "They told me no. And I didn't say no. I didn't want to leave my teammates out there."
Jamal Murray and Co. will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in Round 2, who boast the NBA's No. 1 regular-season defensive rating (108.4). The Timberwolves are coming off a first-round series sweep of the Phoenix Suns. So, they project to be another formidable foe for the Nuggets.
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