TITLE: Jamal Murray earns first NBA All-Star berth, pairing with Nikola Jokić for Denver’s first duo since 2010
SLUG: jamal-murray-earns-first-all-star-berth-denver-duo
CONTENT:
DENVER — Jamal Murray will make his NBA All-Star Game debut on Feb. 15 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, giving the Denver Nuggets two representatives for the first time in 16 years.
The 28-year-old guard was named a reserve on Sunday, joining starter Nikola Jokić. The last Denver tandem to appear in the midseason showcase was Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups in 2010.
“Supposed to be there”
“It feels really good,” Jokić said after the announcement. “He’s been playing at a really high level the last two years. He’s supposed to be there.”
Murray learned of the honor when friends awakened him from a pregame nap with a video call. True to his competitive reputation, he promised to treat the exhibition seriously — and joked that his first attempt might be “half-court, full-court.”
Career-best season
Now in his ninth NBA season, the Canadian standout is averaging career highs in points (25.8), field-goal percentage (49.2), three-point accuracy (44.7), rebounds (4.3) and assists (7.4). He has scored at least 30 points 13 times and is among a dozen players with a 50-point game this season. His 11 double-digit assist performances are also a personal single-season best.
Murray’s production helped Denver survive an injury stretch that sidelined Jokić, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, Cameron Johnson and Jonas Valančiūnas. The Nuggets went 10-6 without their two-time MVP center.
Coach, peers praise milestone
Head coach David Adelman recalled Murray’s résumé — multiple 50-point playoff outings, a Finals triple-double and last season’s championship run — and said the All-Star selection “makes sense, except for the one that was missing.”
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, also a Canadian All-Star, called Murray “well, well, well deserving.” The pair will become the first Canadians to share an NBA All-Star court.
Background and bond
Murray, drafted seventh overall out of Kentucky in 2016, arrived at training camp in peak condition, Adelman noted. Jokić added that the two have built “so many good moments” together. “Whenever I say who’s in the top five of my career, he’s definitely No. 1,” the three-time MVP said.
The All-Star nod follows Murray’s first Western Conference Player of the Week award, won on Dec. 8. He and Jokić are two of five NBA players averaging at least 25 points, seven assists and four rebounds this season.
The 75th NBA All-Star Game tips off at 5 p.m. PT on Feb. 15.
Source: ESPN
