The NBA saw one of the greatest comeback stories in recent memory play out, as Jamal Murray earned redemption in his first season back from an ACL tear by playing a pivotal role in the Denver Nuggets’ 2023 championship win.
Murray’s performances throughout the season earned him the ESPY for Comeback of the Year. While accepting the award, Murray shouted out fellow nominee and UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones in a hilarious fashion.
“I was actually there to watch you witness a comeback three years off. So we can share this together, just don’t choke me out.”
"I was actually there to watch you witness a comeback 3 years off. So we can share this together, just don't choke me out."
Jamal Murray to MMA fighter Jon Jones after winning the Best Comeback Athlete at the ESPYS 😂
(via @ESPNNBA)pic.twitter.com/lkjULBq2ge https://t.co/3NVG23FD4i
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 13, 2023
Jones is one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time and had an equally impressive comeback after three years away from the octagon. But Murray’s performances in the first season back from a repaired ACL were incredible. His regular season concerned fans and critics, but his playoff averages of 26.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists proved he is among the best guards in the world.
The Nuggets Hoping Murray Continues His Form
The Denver Nuggets have had a less-than-ideal offseason so far, losing multiple rotation players and not finding adequate replacements. Bruce Brown and Jeff Green are the two most notable departures, with no players clearly emerging as replacements. They’ve re-signed Reggie Jackson to be Murray’s backup, but their frontcourt depth looks severely hampered.
Nikola Jokic and Murray will be expected to continue delivering at the level we saw them do in the playoffs for most of the season to keep succeeding in a very competitive West. The likes of Christian Braun and Peyton Watson will be expected to provide rotational minutes from day one, with Braun in particular expected to break out as a sophomore with more responsibility.
Michael Malone wanted his team to push toward becoming a dynasty. Dynasties are not easy, but the 2023 offseason has made dynastic success even harder for the Nuggets.
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