Jamal Murray, the Denver Nuggets star, channeled his inner Vince Carter on Friday night as he faced a hostile crowd in Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Just like Carter did in his first game back in Toronto after being traded to the New Jersey Nets, Murray embraced the boos and delivered an outstanding performance.
Murray, a native of Kitchener, Ont., scored 24 points in a 117-90 win, cutting Minnesota’s lead to 2-1 in the Western Conference semifinal. Reflecting on Carter’s memorable return to Toronto, Murray said, “Vince was my favourite player growing up. Every time he touched the ball, he got booed. I think he had a really good game playing against Toronto.”
The Canadian guard knew he would face a similar reception after being fined $100,000 for throwing a heat pad on the court in frustration during Game 2. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch called Murray’s actions “inexcusable and dangerous.”
Despite the boos from the crowd, Murray used the negativity as fuel to elevate his game. “It’s fun. I embrace that challenge, I embrace that moment. I probably deserved the boos. I’m not shying away from it,” Murray said.
Fans can catch Game 4 of the Nuggets-Timberwolves series on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on Sportsnet ONE or Sportsnet+. As Murray continues to draw inspiration from Carter’s resilience in the face of adversity, he looks to lead the Nuggets to a comeback in the series.