For years, Nikola Jokic has been running alongside Jamal Murray on the Denver Nuggets.
While Jokic knows better than anybody just how valuable Murray is, this year has been on another level. The veteran guard has entered the NBA’s All-Star picture. The hot streak for Murray is carrying over into the postseason.
During the Nuggets’ Game 1 battle against the Timberwolves, Murray checked in for 39 minutes. He wasn’t as sharp with his shot from the field, making just 7-22, and going 0-8 from deep, but Murray was highly active from the charity stripe.
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 25: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets reacts after a play against the Minnesota Timberwolves in overtime at Ball Arena on December 25, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
With 16 free-throw attempts, Murray made every single one. Following the game, Jokic issued high praise for Jamal Murray, as he was a major piece in Denver’s first victory.
Nikola Jokic Issues Praise To Jamal Murray
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 21: Nikola JokiÄ #15 and Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets react during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on November 21, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
“One of the best free-throw shooters in the game, in my opinion,” Jokic told reporters on Saturday.
“And when he’s aggressive, going to the rim with multiple guys guarding him, and the ball is in his hands a lot, I think we’re all confident that he can make those.”
Jokic was second in line behind Murray in the scoring game in Game 1. The veteran center put up 25 points on 11-19 shooting from the field. He logged a triple-double with 13 rebounds, 11 assists, and one steal on the defensive end.
The Nuggets Return To The Court On Monday
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – SEPTEMBER 29: Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets fields questions during Media Day at Ball Arena on September 29, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
On Monday, April 20, the Nuggets are back on the court for the Game 2 battle against the Timberwolves.
While the Nuggets took care of business amid a shockingly lousy shooting night from Murray, they know he’ll need to bounce back in that area in order to take care of business. Garnering nearly as many free throws as the other team, Murray won’t be able to bank on that strategy in Game 2.
The 1-0 Nuggets are taking on the Timberwolves at 10:30 PM ET on Monday night. After that, the series will head to Minnesota for Game 3 on Thursday, April 23.
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