Jamal Murray addressed reporters with poise and perspective following the Denver Nuggets’ 92-87 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 on Sunday night.
Despite falling short in a low-scoring contest, Murray rejected the idea that the game ever got away from Denver.
“It was never really away from us,” Murray said. “If you go back and look at the scoreboard, it was a close game the whole game.”
The Nuggets shot just 31.3% from the field and made 11 of 45 attempts from three-point range, with missed opportunities dominating the postgame conversation.
Murray pointed to missed “bunnies” and uncontested shots that simply didn’t fall.
“I thought we got really good looks and sometimes you just don’t make the shots that you get,” he said. “You need points to get the dub.”
When asked if the team’s fatigue was a factor during the late-game stretch, Murray dismissed it entirely. “None at all,” he responded. “Everybody’s tired. It’s almost summer.”
Denver entered the fourth quarter with an 81-74 lead after a 33-point third frame but managed only 18 points in the final period, allowing Oklahoma City to even the series.
Murray noted the importance of Denver’s defensive consistency, stating, “Our defense was there for the most part.”
He praised the team’s effort, especially considering their offensive struggles.
“That’s all you could ask for — the mentality to go out there and fight and scrap and just stay with it, stay together,” Murray said.
The loss was frustrating given Denver’s strong playoff resume in recent years, but the veteran guard stayed focused on the task ahead.
“It’s not a funeral, guys,” Murray said. “It’s best out of three. We lost the game. On to the next.”
He also emphasized the team’s ability to respond under pressure.
“Because we’ve done it before,” Murray said when asked why he’s confident in winning two of the next three games. “And we believe in the group.”
The series now shifts back to Oklahoma City for a pivotal Game 5, with the Nuggets looking to regain control.
As Murray put it, “Get a day off, recoup tonight, travel tomorrow, get our minds right, and be ready to go.”
