Jamal Murray smiled like he relished the moment, with no fear of the consequences.
With the Nuggets facing playoff elimination and trailing by as many as 15 points in the second half, Murray ripped Game 5 away from Utah’s grip and ensured Denver could fight another day. The Nuggets’ 117-107 white-knuckle win guaranteed, at least, a Game 6 on Thursday, with Utah holding a 3-2 lead.
As his late 3-pointer rattled home, giving the Nuggets a 106-101 lead with 2:47 remaining, a smile crept across Murray’s face. If five games has proven anything, it’s that Murray thrives off postseason tension.