Nuggets' Murray welcomes criticism: 'I literally signed up for it'
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray isn't fazed by the increased criticism he's received since signing a four-year, $209-million maximum contract extension in the offseason.
"I literally signed up for it," Murray quipped after his season-best 45-point outburst in a 118-99 win versus the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, according to the Denver Post's Bennett Durando.
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone defended his starting point guard's new contract.
"Jamal Murray didn't pay himself $54 million. We did that as an organization because we believe in him. We don't win our first franchise championship without Jamal Murray."
The 27-year-old is in the final year of his current five-year contract and has struggled to live up to his $36-million price tag, averaging just 19.8 points and six assists with 44.7/38.1/85.2 shooting splits.
Tuesday marked just the second time that Murray surpassed 30 points in a game this season. It was his 10th career game of 40 or more points.
Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal called out Murray during the NBA on TNT pregame show. "It all starts with you, Jamal. Get to work," he said, per Forbes' Joel Rush.
Murray agreed with O'Neal's sentiments in his postgame interview.
"He's 100% right. I need to play my best, I need to play better. I've played terrible up until today," Murray stated, adding, "Just take this as a positive note and keep moving. You can't get too high, and you can't get too low."
The Kentucky product has often shined brightest in the postseason, averaging 24.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 38.9% from deep in his 65 playoff contests. His postseason heroics include two 50-point games during the 2020 playoffs against the Utah Jazz and multiple game-winning buckets versus the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024.
The 24-15 Nuggets are riding a four-game winning streak and will face the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.