Murray’s perfect shooting performance propels Nuggets to victory in Game 1

DENVER — Jamal Murray has proven himself as a top playoff competitor since the Denver Nuggets’ championship opportunity began in 2023, with his most impressive performances typically occurring in the closing moments of games through clutch shooting.

In Saturday’s 116-105 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of their Western Conference playoff series, Murray excelled at the free throw line, converting all 16 attempts to set a franchise record, finishing with a game-high 30 points.

“I felt I was fouled on every single one of them,” Murray remarked afterward. “I don’t understand what everyone is discussing. [They were] legitimate fouls.”

The Nuggets converted 30 of their 33 free throw attempts, which proved crucial as they struggled with their 3-point shooting, going 1-for-17 in the second half, risking the 15-point lead they had established in the third quarter.

Ultimately, Denver secured a hard-fought victory at home, taking a 1-0 lead in the series, marking the eighth time they have led in nine series openers since 2023. Denver has gone on to win six of the seven previous series in which they won Game 1.

In a rivalry as competitive as Nuggets vs. Timberwolves — the teams have faced each other more frequently over the past three years than any other two teams in the league — every advantage is significant. Following their Game 1 win, Denver now holds a 15-14 record against Minnesota in both the regular season and playoffs since 2023.

This history has set an intriguing stage for this series, which both teams anticipate will be another closely contested matchup.

“In the first game, everyone has so much adrenaline,” Murray noted. “Everyone’s excited. There’s a bit of nervousness. Some butterflies, which is natural. I reflect on all my Game 1 experiences and recall having an abundance of energy. I remember a year we played the San Antonio Spurs; I got a steal on the first play and pulled up from the logo. I was just so thrilled.”

“Over the years, I’ve learned to relax and treat it like another game, knowing I will play most of the minutes. I don’t need to search for shots; the game will come to me. This shift in mindset helps me make every free throw and play at my own pace.”

This mentality has contributed to Murray’s most outstanding and consistent individual season, where he is averaging career highs in points, rebounds, assists, and 3-point shooting percentage. He ranked second in total clutch-time points this season and was the only player to average 25 points and seven assists while shooting 40 percent.

He has been a stabilizing presence throughout the season for the third-seeded Nuggets, who have relied on him significantly as key players Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon each missed substantial time due to injuries.

On Saturday, Murray stepped up for the Nuggets when Gordon accumulated three fouls in the first quarter and Jokic attempted only four shots in the first half. He accomplished this despite struggling with his 3-point shooting, missing all eight attempts from beyond the arc.

According to ESPN Insights, Murray is the fifth player in postseason history to record 0 percent from 3-point range (minimum five attempts) and 100 percent from the free throw line (minimum ten attempts) in a game.

“He was 0-for-8 from 3. That’s not something that will happen [often],” Nuggets coach David Adelman stated. “He understands the rhythm he’s been in. But Jamal has been consistent all year, displaying a tough mindset.

“He faces numerous responsibilities with various high-level defenders guarding him, who were physical throughout the game. [Jaden] McDaniels works hard. Anthony Edwards is on him. [Ayo] Dosunmu presents a challenge. I thought he mentally persevered, and he made timely shots.”

After the game, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch did not contest any specific foul call on Murray but expressed concern over the total number of free throw attempts he received.

“Sixteen free throws is a significant amount. It’s nearly as many as we shot all game,” Finch commented.

Minnesota finished 14-for-19 from the line on Saturday, with their star, Edwards, taking only seven attempts.

“Many of those in the second quarter were physical, and we were vertical,” Finch explained. “He initiates the contact, falls away, and then gets rewarded for it — Jokic does the same. We need to be solid in that area.”

Nonetheless, Finch acknowledged that there were numerous other factors contributing to Minnesota’s loss.

“We need to maintain our composure,” Finch remarked. “Down seven with three minutes remaining or something like that, we committed a foul up the floor. Such plays can be detrimental in the playoffs, especially against a seasoned team.”

Finch also mentioned that Edwards, who finished with a modest 22 points by his standards, appeared fatigued at times during the game as he continues to recover from a knee injury.

“He looked typical for what he’s been through,” Finch said of Edwards, who exited the arena with a limp. “I thought he showed signs of tiredness in the third [quarter], which is why I took him out a bit earlier. He had some good opportunities throughout the game. The touch may not have been there. It wasn’t the Ant we’re accustomed to seeing, but it was as expected given his current situation in regaining his rhythm.”