Nearly a decade after the NBA draft, Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets remains driven by the memory of teams favoring Kris Dunn, now with the Los Angeles Clippers, over him. Dunn was chosen fifth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2016 draft, two spots ahead of Murray.
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In the ongoing Western Conference first-round series between the Nuggets and the Clippers, Murray and Dunn are directly competing. Following a stellar performance where he scored 43 points leading the Nuggets to a 131-115 victory against the Clippers, Murray confirmed that Dunn being picked ahead of him still fuels his competitive fire.
“Absolutely, 100%,” Murray responded with a smile and a nod when asked about his motivation.
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Dunn, ranked among the top 20 in the league for defensive rating, has proven himself as one of the premier defenders on the perimeter. Murray, however, managed to score effortlessly despite Dunn’s intense defensive pressure, which included close guarding throughout the game. Murray’s points came from a mix of drives, mid-range shots, and three-pointers.
Murray thrives on these high-stakes matchups against some of the league’s best defenders.
“It’s always interesting. I face top defenders every year and it helps build great camaraderie. We share jokes, taunts, and everything in between. It’s all part of the game and I love the challenge. I have a lot of respect for them; it’s just thrilling to compete,” Murray explained.
He particularly enjoys the strategic aspect of playing against Dunn.
“You need to keep him guessing, mix it up so he can’t predict your next move. It’s a pleasure competing against him. Since we were drafted the same year, we’ve been rivals, and every encounter is a fierce battle,” Murray added.
“I really enjoy these matchups. They push me, and I push back,” he said.
The competition continues as the Nuggets, leading the series 3-2, prepare to face the Clippers in Game 6, scheduled for Thursday at 10 p.m. ET.
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