The Kitchener-born point guard has shifted his focus away from personal scoring ambitions, instead honing his skills as a masterful facilitator.
This transformation is evident in his impressive statistics, tallying 42 assists in the NBA Finals, with no game falling below the 10-assist mark.
Murray has outperformed all other players in terms of total points contributed, surpassing even renowned philanthropic stars like Jokic and Jimmy Butler.
Jamal Murray is the first player with 10+ assists in his first 4 career Finals games.
No other player even has 3 straight. pic.twitter.com/eahcolSUrI
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 10, 2023
The Canadian player has shed his one-dimensional label and embarked on a path of offensive versatility, marking a significant evolution in his game.
While he remains an exceptional scorer, averaging 26.7 points per game, Murray’s qualitative growth has elevated his playmaking abilities, showcasing an exceptional court vision and finding optimal solutions.
Even in Game 4, despite struggling with his shooting (5-17 from the field), Murray left a lasting impact on the game.
He finished with 12 assists, joining an elite group of players including Robert Reid, Danny Ainge, Derek Fisher, and Magic Johnson as the only individuals in history to achieve 10 or more assists without a single turnover. The dynamic duo of Murray and Jokic continues to dismantle the Miami Heat’s defensive schemes.
In contrast, Murray and Jokic combined for 66 points, 31 rebounds, and 20 assists, underscoring their control and impact.
Notably, in the third game, out of the 80 field goal attempts by Mike Malone’s team, only 18 were from beyond the three-point line, with a mere five conversions, resulting in a modest success rate of 27.8 percent.
Against tight defensive formations, three-point shooting typically plays a pivotal role. However, the Nuggets managed to secure a victory without heavily relying on long-range shots—a departure from the norm.
They became the first team since 2013 to triumph in the Finals with five or fewer made three-pointers.
Throughout the playoffs, Murray has maintained an enigmatic and elusive performance, averaging an impressive 26.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 7.1 assists.
With their formidable duo leading the way, the Denver Nuggets find themselves within touching distance of their first NBA championship.
It is worth noting that out of the 36 teams that previously held a 3-1 lead in the Finals, an overwhelming 35 of them went on to claim the coveted title.
FAQs
- Who are playing in NBA finals 2023?
Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat are playing in NBA Finals 2023. - Who is leading in NBA Finals 2023?
Denver Nuggets are leading against Miami Heat in NBA Finals.
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