Jamal Murray Still Driven by Kris Dunn Being Drafted Before Him…
Nearly a decade later, Jamal Murray remains fueled by the memory of Kris Dunn being selected ahead of him in the 2016 NBA Draft. Dunn, who was picked fifth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves, went two spots before the Denver Nuggets chose Murray at No. 7.
Now, nine years later, Murray and Dunn are facing off in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs as the Nuggets take on the Clippers. In Game 5, Murray led the charge with 43 points in Denver’s 131-115 victory, and after the game, he acknowledged that he still draws motivation from Dunn being drafted ahead of him.
“100%. 100%,” Murray said with a smile and a nod.
Dunn, who finished the regular season ranked 20th in defensive rating, is regarded as one of the league’s top perimeter defenders. Despite intense defensive pressure, Murray put on an offensive clinic, finding ways to score through crafty drives, mid-range shots, and three-pointers.
Murray embraces the challenge of going up against elite defenders.
“It’s funny — I face great defenders every year and build a kind of relationship with them through competition,” he said. “We joke, we talk trash, we battle. It’s all part of the game. I respect every guy over there. Competing like that is just fun for me.”
He particularly enjoys the matchup with Dunn.
“You’ve got to keep him guessing, mix it up, make him think,” Murray explained. “We came into the league together, and we’ve been competing ever since. Every matchup with him is a real battle — but also fun.”
Murray and Dunn will face off again as the Nuggets, leading the series 3-2, look to close it out in Game 6 on Thursday at 10 p.m. ET.
