Jamal Murray bursts into tears on the court and then thanks owner Stan Kroenke for ‘sticking with him’ – after overcoming ACL injury to become an NBA champion with Denver Nuggets
- Jamal Murray suffered a torn ACL on his left knee during a game in April 2021
- He completed his return to the top on Monday by winning an NBA championship
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The tears were flowing for Jamal Murray as he celebrated his first NBA title – just a year after he missed an entire season with a torn ACL injury.
The point guard, who was one of the stars of Denver’s postseason, pulled his jersey up over his head as he was overcome by emotion at the end of Game 5 on Monday.
His career was in tatters just a year ago when he suffered a serious ACL tear, which forced him to miss the entirety of the 2021-22 season.
He returned for 2022-23, though, and it could hardly have gone better as the Nuggets soared to the franchise’s first ever championship – with Murray one of the stars of the team.
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Speaking to ESPN after the Finals victory, he said: ‘It was hard to speak. Being out two postseasons… that was everything, man. I felt so much love from everyone in this arena.
Jamal Murray was overcome by emotion after winning an NBA ring with the Denver Nuggets
Murray missed the entirety of last season with a torn ACL in his left knee, but returned in style
Murray could not hold back the tears as he is interviewed on live TV after the Game 5 victory
Jamal Murray to the Nuggets Owner:
“Way to get you one, baby¿I appreciate you staying patient with me.¿Y’all could have gone a different route, I appreciate you staying with me. We got it done.”
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 13, 2023
‘To see it full circle is amazing.
‘This is the first, but it’s the first of many. We knew we could do this. It’s just kind of popping that cherry, and having everyone locked in. We’ve proved that. I think we can do it again, we can run it back.’
Murray was also caught on camera in a warm embrace with Stan Kroenke, the Nuggets owner, in the aftermath of the Game 5 victory.
Nikola Jokic kisses his daughter Ognjena on the cheek as he celebrates a dominant Finals win
Jokic is joined by his brother Nemanja on the court in Denver after the Game 5 win over Miami
He could be heard saying ‘way to get one, baby’, before thanking him for ‘staying patient with him’ while he overcame his injury struggles.
He then added: ‘Y’all could have gone a different route, I appreciate you staying with me. We got it done.’
On Monday, Murray had 14 points, eight assists and eight rebounds as the Nuggets overcame the Heat 94-89 to seal Game 5, and a 4-1 series win.
