Jamal Murray has achieved the distinction of being an All-Star for the first time in his professional journey. He is currently posting personal bests in both points and assists, emphatically demonstrating that the Nuggets’ substantial investment through his max contract extension was a sound decision.
On “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” Bill Simmons and Zach Lowe hailed Murray as one of the big winners of the 2026 season. The co-hosts recalled how his contract extension had sparked doubts just the previous year, with Lowe noting the sentiment was “Did they overdo this? Was he really a max guy?”
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Simmons’ concern was reportedly greater, expressing a “real fear that the Jokic era had been completely blown.” However, Murray’s performance has entirely dispelled such worries. He has emerged as precisely the crucial partner Nikola Jokic required.
Denver’s Risk on Murray Delivers Rewards
Jamal Murray’s four-year, $208 million maximum contract extension was inked prior to the 2024-25 season, though its terms only activated this year. His current performance certainly reflects a player who has secured a raise exceeding $10 million annually.
Murray’s current average of 25.1 points per game stands as a career best and the 16th highest in the league; he also recorded his third 50-point game with 52 against the Pacers in December. With 7.1 assists, he ranks 12th, and there’s growing speculation he could earn his inaugural All-NBA award this season.
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Murray’s shooting percentages are approaching career bests, hitting 48% from the field and 42% from beyond the arc, while also making a career-high 3.1 three-pointers per contest. Despite carrying his highest career usage rate at 28.3%, he is simultaneously experiencing his most efficient season, evidenced by a 21.8 player efficiency rating.
Jokic and Murray: A Generational Partnership
The synergy between Jokic and Murray is akin to classic pairings such as peanut butter and jelly or mac and cheese—seamless and undeniable. They form one of the most exceptional duos in basketball history, a claim that is no exaggeration.
This season, the pairing has reached unprecedented heights, to the extent that it caused Rich Paul to call it “insane.” In terms of assist-to-point scorer combinations, the Murray-to-Jokic connection ranks first in the NBA, with the Jokic-to-Murray exchange securing fourth place.
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Their collaborative play is genuinely phenomenal, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the league’s most celebrated duos. Since the 1996-97 season, they trail only Steph Curry and Draymond Green, and Tony Parker and Tim Duncan, in the most points created between teammates.
Both athletes express contentment in Denver, with aspirations to close out their careers and legacies alongside the Nuggets. Such a strong bond between teammates is an unusual sight in contemporary sports, further validating the decision to offer Murray his maximum contract.
This content first appeared on www.nugglove.com under the title Jamal Murray is proving the Nuggets right about their big bet.