Career Highlights and Rise to Stardom
Murray's NBA journey began with the Nuggets in 2016, evolving from a promising rookie to a key piece in their championship core. His playoff heroics, including clutch performances in the 2023 Finals, cemented his reputation as a big-game player. Now in 2025-26, he's building on that legacy with consistent excellence.[2]
At Kentucky, Murray's freshman stats—20 points per game and 40.8% from three—earned him All-SEC honors. This college prowess translated seamlessly to the pros, where he's become Nikola Jokic's ideal running mate, blending scoring, playmaking, and defense.[2]
Dominant 2025-26 Stats and Impact
Murray's season stats are eye-popping: 24.9 points (16th in NBA), 6.8 assists (11th), and 50.1% FG (41st). He's also averaging 1.1 steals and shooting 90.5% from the free-throw line in recent stretches. These numbers mark career highs, powering Denver's 19-6 record and five-game win streak.[1][3]
Key games include 30 points on 50% shooting against Houston and multiple 30+ point outings. His 52-point explosion against an opponent underscored his scoring prowess, with no other Nugget scoring over 13 in one recent Jokic triple-double game.[2][4]
Building a Strong All-Star Case
Murray's hot streak has analysts touting him for the 2026 All-Star Game. Averaging 25.0 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds over a recent seven-game span at 44.7% from three, he's outshining many Western Conference guards. The Nuggets' success amplifies his candidacy.[2]
With Denver second in the West behind Oklahoma City, Murray's synergy with Jokic—featuring high assist numbers and efficient scoring—makes him indispensable. Recent wins, like over the Rockets, solidify his All-Star trajectory as the season progresses.[1]