What’s Going On: Shaq Criticizes Jamal Murray Despite His 45-Point Explosion Against Dallas, Sends Cryptic Message on National TV

| Denver Nuggets
January 15, 2025

Harsh…but fair?

Denver Nuggets v Dallas Mavericks

The Nuggets played the Mavericks for the second time in three days on Tuesday night, with back-to-back games in Dallas against the reigning Western Conference Champs. Denver has been playing well recently with the resurgence of Russell Westbrook and they just added a now-healthy Aaron Gordon back to the lineup.

Despite the team’s recent success and the fact that they’ve vaulted up to fourth place in the Western Conference, their number two option, Jamal Murray has been struggling mightily. Murray ended last season on a down note and had a rough offseason including injury issues and a brutal Olympic showing for Team Canada.

He signed a fresh max contract extension during training camp that alleviated some health concerns, but Murray didn’t exactly hit the ground running. He has had a tough season by all accounts and his stats and efficiency numbers have been down across the board. Denver was hoping to get the best version of Murray ever this season, and so far it’s been closer to his worst.

Now that the team is close to full strength, there has been some talk about changing the starting lineup. Westbrook has played so well that there have even been whispers about him taking more off Murray’s plate as a lead offensive initiator, even in crunch time.

Shaquille O’Neal rips into Jamal Murray for his play this season

Tuesday night’s game was broadcast nationally on TNT and a version of the Inside the NBA Crew spoke about the Nuggets during the pregame show. At one point, Shaquille O’Neal took center stage and began a monologue intended for Jamal Murray.

Shaq’s commentary was blunt and raw and he seemed to be addressing Murray almost like a disappointed father. He called out Murray for not living up to his standards this season and said that with the way Nikola Jokic and Gordon are playing, the team has championship upside, but only if Murray steps up.

Shaq ended his talk on a positive and optimistic note, explaining that he’s calling out Murray because he holds him to a higher standard and knows that he can be better. He said that if Murray can regain his form for the Nuggets’ 2023 title run, the team will win another championship.

Ironically, Murray went out moments after Shaq made these comments and played easily his best game of the season. Murray set his season-high in the first half with 32 points and ended up with 45 points and 6 assists on 18/26 shooting in a big 118-99 Nuggets victory.

Murray looked like he had an extra bit of pep in his step and was bouncy and active. He was consistently getting into his dribble, his first step looked quicker, and he was pulling up for shots in great rhythm.  After the game, he was asked about Shaq’s comments and said, “he’s absolutely right”.

Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come and Murray is finally getting right. Shaq did acknowledge that Murray may not be fully healthy, but perhaps this is a turning point. If that’s the case, we were treated to a reminder of how great Jamal can be and we will have to reevaluate the team’s championship outlook…in a good way.

Related Post