Jamal Murray’s 43-Point

On a chilly April night in Denver, Jamal Murray reminded the NBA why he’s one of the most electrifying playoff performers of his generation. The Denver Nuggets’ point guard erupted for 43 points in Game 5 against the Los Angeles Clippers, leading his team to a commanding 131-115 win and a 3-2 series advantage. With the victory, the Nuggets are now one win away from advancing to the Western Conference semifinals, where the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder await .

Murray’s Playoff Brilliance Takes Center Stage

Murray’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He shot 65.4% from the field (17-of-26), including 8 three-pointers, while adding 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and a block in 40 minutes . This marked his sixth career 40-point playoff game, a Nuggets franchise record . From pull-up threes to crafty drives, Murray dismantled the Clippers’ defense in every way possible.

Interim coach David Adelman had predicted a big night for Murray, telling reporters, “It was such a Jamal game in Game 4… You know it’s coming in these big moments” . True to form, Murray delivered when it mattered most. His 30 first-half points set the tone, and his clutch plays in the fourth quarter extinguished a late Clippers rally .

Even Clippers coach Tyronn Lue conceded defeat: “We did everything—blitzed him, switched, dropped—but he had a hell of a game”

Jokić’s Quiet Triple-Double and Supporting Cast Shine

While Murray stole the spotlight, Nikola Jokić quietly notched his 21st career playoff triple-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists . Though uncharacteristically inefficient (4-of-13 shooting), the two-time MVP orchestrated Denver’s offense with precision, finding open teammates and keeping the Clippers’ defense guessing .

The Nuggets also received critical contributions from their role players:
- Aaron Gordon followed up his Game 4 buzzer-beating dunk with 23 points, attacking the rim relentlessly .
- Russell Westbrook, returning from a foot injury, added 21 points off the bench, including 16 in the first half, and energized the crowd with his trademark intensity .
- Christian Braun provided lockdown defense on James Harden (11 points, 4 turnovers) and chipped in a double-double (11 points, 12 rebounds) .

Clippers’ Struggles and Late Rally Fall Short

The Clippers, meanwhile, looked out of sync for much of the game. Despite a playoff career-high 27 points from Ivica Zubac and 20 points from Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles never led . James Harden continued his quiet series, scoring just 11 points on 3-of-9 shooting .

A brief fourth-quarter rally cut Denver’s 22-point lead to 9, but Murray and Gordon responded with an 11-0 run to seal the win . “We had chances, but every time we got close, Jamal or someone else answered,” Leonard admitted .

Historic Implications and Series Outlook

Teams that win Game 5 after a 2-2 series tie historically advance 81% of the time . For the Nuggets, this victory reaffirmed their championship pedigree. Murray’s ability to elevate his game in high-pressure situations—paired with Jokić’s steady brilliance—makes Denver a nightmare matchup in the playoffs .  


The Clippers now face elimination in Game 6 on Thursday night at home. To extend the series, they’ll need Harden and Paul George (not mentioned in recent reports due to injury?) to step up, along with tighter defense on Murray . 

Why Murray’s Performance Matters

Murray’s Game 5 explosion wasn’t just about scoring. It showcased his resilience after a shaky start to the series. In Games 2 and 4, he shot just 29.4% and 35%, respectively, but bounced back with poise . Teammates like Peyton Watson emphasized their unwavering faith in him: “We know he’s eventually going to come around… He showed who he is tonight” .  


This version of Murray—aggressive, confident, and clutch—is the one that propelled Denver to the 2023 title. As Adelman put it, “When he’s got that swagger, we’re a tough team to beat” .  

Key Stats From Game 5

Jamal Murray: 43 PTS, 8 3PM, 7 AST, 3 STL  

- Nikola Jokić: 13 PTS, 12 AST, 10 REB  

- Aaron Gordon: 23 PTS, 7-11 FG  

- Russell Westbrook: 21 PTS (3-6 3PT)  

- Clippers’ turnovers: 14 (leading to 22 Nuggets points)  

What’s Next for the Nuggets?

Denver will aim to close out the series in Los Angeles on Thursday. A win would set up a marquee matchup against the Thunder, who swept the Memphis Grizzlies in Round 1. For the Nuggets to make another deep playoff run, they’ll need:  

1. Murray’s consistency: His highs are unmatched, but avoiding prolonged slumps is crucial.  

2. Jokić’s dominance: Even on “off” nights, his playmaking remains elite.  

3. Role player contributions: Gordon, Braun, and Westbrook must sustain their energy.  

Final Thoughts

Jamal Murray’s 43-point masterpiece wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a statement to the league. The Nuggets, when firing on all cylinders, are a championship-caliber team capable of overwhelming even the toughest opponents. With their stars aligned and role players stepping up, Denver looks poised to reclaim its throne.  


As the series shifts back to Los Angeles, all eyes will be on Murray to see if he can replicate his heroics—and on the Clippers to see if they can delay the inevitable.