The Nuggets forced a Game 7 in their series with the Thunder (OKC) after winning Game 6 119-107 in Denver. The MVP front-runners Nikola Jokic (29 points) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32 points) had great performances, respectively. However, the X-factor for the Nuggets was Jamal Murray’s 25-point performance.
Before the game, Jamal Murray was added to the injury list due to an illness, but he still decided to play as the Nuggets faced elimination. Fans on the internet compared it to Michael Jordan’s iconic flu game in the 1997 NBA Finals. When Jordan played his iconic flu game, he ended Game 5 of the series against the Utah Jazz with 38 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in 44 minutes played. While the importance of the game is not on the same level, both situations were arguably must-win for both players’ teams.
Spectators took to social media and compared Murray to Jordan. They wrote:
Jamal Murray tonight 🤒 pic.twitter.com/x772p10ctc
— iO's World 🌎 #D4L (@DamHesFresh) May 16, 2025
Jamal Murray tonight pic.twitter.com/4zF5eM6biM
— PrizePicks (@PrizePicks) May 16, 2025
Jokic & Murray pic.twitter.com/LOOa9Z65Wq
— fourdtough (@fourdtough) May 16, 2025
Moreover, fans also expressed their opinions instead of just adding the GIFs to compare the greatness. Some fans already anticipated such a game when the injury status was announced before the game.
“I had no idea Jamal Murray was questionable due to illness before I put some $$$ on him. Oh well, what’s done is done & you better have yourself an MJ Flu Game tonight Murray & win me my parlay!!!”, wrote another fan after hearing Murray was playing despite his illness.
“Jamal Murray got Michael Jordan flu game here in game 6”, wrote another fan on X after the Nuggets destroyed the Thunder down the stretch.
What Does This Mean For The Denver Nuggets?
With Jamal Murray playing like Michael Jordan in Game 6, the Nuggets have the momentum on their side going into Game 7 of this series. It seemed as though with Michael Porter Jr.’s shoulder injury and Jamal Murray’s illness, the Nuggets would be shorthanded. However, the Nuggets’ role players stepped up today to deliver the final blow alongside Murray.
Michael Porter Jr. had 10 points, and Aaron Gordon only had 5 points. However, Christian Braun and Julian Strawther covered up for the veterans’ off-night. Braun finished the game with 23 points, and Julian Strawther knocked down some back-breaking threes down the stretch and finished with 15 points. Therefore, Murray and Jokic did not have to carry the offensive burden alone.
While it is easier to expect young players to step up in a home game, the veteran experience tends to become key in games that are on the road. Therefore, in Game 7, Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. will have to brush off the memories of a rough Game 6 and help Murray and Jokic lead the Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals.
Aaron Gordon’s game-winner in Game 1 helped the Nuggets win on the road. Our prediction says the Nuggets are capable of pulling off another upset like that and will win this series in seven games.
