Jamal Murray Credits Nuggets’ Defense After Fourth-Quarter Takeover

Jamal Murray gave the Denver Nuggets the offense they needed in the fourth quarter against Memphis. His explanation afterward focused on the stops that allowed that scoring to hold up.

Murray scored 17 of his 30 points in the final period as Denver defeated the Grizzlies 123-118 on Wednesday. The Nuggets improved to 6-4, while Memphis fell to 7-4.

Despite navigating foul trouble, Murray finished with eight assists and helped Denver maintain control when Memphis threatened. His late production supplied the finish to a game that required more than a strong offensive start.

“I was happy about our defense and the way we were able to stifle their runs or put a stop to their run late in the game,” Murray said. “That’s where we won the game.”

Murray said the Nuggets are becoming more comfortable communicating and executing their defensive coverages. Those responsibilities can change depending on the opponent, making shared understanding particularly important.

He also emphasized the energy coming from the bench. Players outside the action remained engaged with what was happening, contributing to the intensity he felt Denver needed late.

That does not mean the performance was free of defensive problems. The Nuggets still allowed Memphis opportunities to work back into the game, leaving areas to address despite the victory.

Murray’s assessment reflected both sides of that performance. Denver can recognize improvement while demanding more consistent execution before the closing minutes.

Asked about defending Ty Jerome, Murray credited Christian Braun’s persistence. Braun’s job required staying attached, applying pressure and directing the ball toward Denver’s interior defenders.

That work matters even when a scorer makes a difficult shot. A defense can execute its assignment and still surrender points, making the quality of the possession a more useful measure than the result alone.

Murray appreciated Braun’s commitment to continuing that pressure. Repeatedly making an opponent work can reduce clean opportunities and help the rest of the defense maintain its shape.

For Denver, that perimeter resistance is essential to keeping its big men from having to solve every breakdown near the basket.

Denver finished with 34 assists and six turnovers, a combination Murray connected to unselfish play and confident shooting. He credited Nikola Jokic with finding teammates and keeping the defense occupied throughout the game.

Murray also explained why aggressive shooting from Cam Johnson and Braun helps the offense. When defenders must respect those players away from the ball, helping against Denver’s primary actions becomes more difficult.

That spacing gives Jokic room to make decisions and allows cutters to exploit defenders caught between responsibilities. It also gives Murray more room to operate when he becomes the central scoring option.

Murray resisted framing his current production as a dramatic change in his game. He described it as playing his usual style efficiently.

Against Memphis, that approach produced the fourth-quarter points Denver needed. The defensive response ensured they were enough.