Jamal Murray said there was never any doubt he would play.
Speaking after the Denver Nuggets’ 119-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6, Murray explained how he managed to suit up despite being listed as questionable due to illness.
“I was always going to play in my mind,” Murray said. “Woke up, was feeling it… went to the clinic, got tested… it was negative, so happy about that.”
The guard scored 25 points in the elimination-avoidance win, helping tie the Western Conference Semifinals series 3-3.
Murray acknowledged that his symptoms lingered, but adrenaline and necessity helped him push through.
“Everything was kind of bothering me,” he said. “But once the game starts and the team needs you… you just kind of suck it up and get through it.”
While the Nuggets shot 37.5% from three and dominated the glass with 52 rebounds, Murray credited the team’s energy shift to reserve guard Julian Strawther.
“Super happy, man, because we all know what he’s capable of,” Murray said of the sophomore, who scored 15 points in the second half. “It was just really good to see him catch that rhythm… his energy really set the tone for us.”
Murray emphasized that Strawther’s stretch helped Denver build momentum, with the crowd feeding off his production.
“Even when they came back or had a run… we were able to just build off that kind of energy,” he said.
Looking ahead to Game 7 in Oklahoma City, Murray said the road environment will demand unity and composure from his team.
“There’s no crowd for you. You got to stay together. You got to bring your own energy,” he said. “I think it’s a great opportunity.”
Murray, who has a long track record in high-stakes playoff games, said the Nuggets’ resiliency comes from repetition and adversity.
“Just from being down all the time,” he said. “You get to find out about not just yourself but your teammates… and that sets you up for the next time you’re down.”
Despite facing the top-seeded Thunder on their home floor in Game 7, Murray expressed full confidence in Denver’s mindset and preparation.
“100%,” he said. “We used the two days off as motivation to go out there and play hard today.”
Game 7 is scheduled for Sunday at Paycom Center, with the winner advancing to face Minnesota in the Western Conference Finals.
