Jamal Murray is using a nearly decade-old slight as fuel in the 2025 NBA playoffs.
When asked Tuesday whether the fact that Kris Dunn was selected ahead of him in the 2016 NBA Draft still motivates him, Murray didn’t hesitate: “One hundred percent,” he told Bennett Duranto of Daily Camera.
The Denver Nuggets guard was selected seventh overall that year, while Dunn went fifth to Minnesota.
Murray’s performance in Game 5 against the Clippers suggested that chip is still firmly on his shoulder.
He poured in 43 points on 17-of-25 shooting, including 8-of-11 from beyond the arc, helping Denver secure a 131-115 win and take a 3-2 series lead.
Several of those makes came with Dunn defending him closely, though the Clippers tried multiple looks, including rotations involving Nicolas Batum, Derrick Jones Jr. and James Harden.
“They blitzed me early,” Murray said, “so I just had to adjust and stay aggressive.”
Murray has long thrived on turning perceived slights into playoff fuel, and his battles with defenders like Dunn are personal without being hostile.
“It’s always fun going against him,” Murray said. “And it’s always a battle.”
The Canadian guard emphasized that the mental game is just as important as the physical matchup.
“You’ve just gotta keep him off-balance,” he explained. “Not give him one look. Give him something to think about.”
“It’s not about making it personal,” Murray said. “But it’s just a competitive spirit. I like the challenge, and I like to give a challenge, too.”
