Malone details Murray's injury journey after monster performance

Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone put into perspective the lengthy recovery process that guard Jamal Murray went through as he continues to star in this year's NBA playoffs.

Following a breakthrough 2020 playoffs in the bubble, and a career-best start to the 2020-21 campaign, Murray tore his ACL, keeping him out of action for over a full calendar year.

"For Jamal, the biggest thing this year was getting healthy, and then being back healthy but getting over the mental hurdle of reminding myself 'I can get back to not just the level I was at in the bubble, but how do I surpass that?'" Malone told reporters after the team's 119-108 victory on Saturday.

While Murray had solid season averages of 20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in his first year back, he's taken another leap in the postseason. The Canadian is putting up 27.9 points per game and has scored 37 points in back-to-back contests against the Los Angeles Lakers to help Denver take a commanding 3-0 series lead in the Western Conference final.

Despite the Nuggets being one win away from the NBA Finals, Malone detailed that the guard expressed doubt he'd make it to this point with the team.

"Going to the airport after he had the injury in Golden State, the next day, and he had tears in his eyes," said Malone. "And that was a message, 'hey man, you're going to come back from this, and not only are you going to come back, you're going to be better.'

"His first thought was, 'Man, are you guys going to trade me? I'm damaged goods, are you guys going to trade me now?' I hugged him, I said 'hell no, you're ours, we love you, we're going to help you get back, and you're going to be a better player for it.'"

With Murray's increased confidence, the stellar play of two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, and consistent production from their collection of role players, the Nuggets have the chance to sweep the Lakers in Game 4 on Monday night.