Jamal Murray scored 45 points and hit the go-ahead free throws with 31.8 seconds left as the Denver Nuggets edged the depleted Utah Jazz 128-125 on Monday at the Delta Center.
“We needed it. We needed it by any means necessary. Everybody stepped up and made plays, especially on the defensive end,” Murray said after the game.
Murray made eight three-pointers and went 13 of 19 from the field while scoring 18 points in the third quarter to push the Nuggets to a 100-93 lead entering the fourth.
“I was decisive, extended my range a little bit because they’re a switching team. So I just was open shooting it,” he explained on how he took over offensively.
Nikola Jokic added 22 points and 12 rebounds and made two key free throws with 6.1 seconds left, helping Denver hold off Utah’s late rally.
Murray highlighted the importance of preparation. “I practice them. I’ve been practicing my whole life. I love to get the moment to show the shots I can make,” he said regarding his tough shot-making.
Keyonte George scored 36 points for Utah, but a reversed foul call with 16.3 seconds remaining denied him two potential free throws. George also missed a last-second three-pointer as the Nuggets escaped with the win.
“We’ve done it. We believe in ourselves and it showed over the years what we can do, how clutch we can be, how dominant we can be late in the game,” Murray said on the Nuggets’ confidence down the stretch.
Despite a back-to-back and limited energy from several teammates, Murray said the team stayed focused. “We just had a lot of guys step up and that’s what we needed,” he said.
Julian Strawther contributed 15 points and Jonas Valanciunas added 13 for Denver, while Utah was missing Cam Johnson and several rotation players due to injuries.
Murray’s performance marked another example of his ability to carry the Nuggets in clutch situations, helping the team rebound after three of four losses including a 117-108 defeat to Minnesota on Sunday.
Denver will host the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, while Utah visits the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday to continue its injury-plagued season.
