Jamal Murray Responds to Shaquille O'Neal's Criticism After Game 2 Win

The Denver Nuggets secured a narrow 121-119 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1, highlighted by Nikola Jokić's historic 42-point, 22-rebound performance, making him only the fifth player to achieve a 40-20-5 stat line in a playoff game. Despite the win, Jamal Murray faced criticism from Shaquille O’Neal for his drop in shooting efficiency after a strong first quarter, with Murray acknowledging the need to perform better but emphasizing his impact in other ways to secure the victory. Jokić, meanwhile, brushed off 'free throw merchant' chants from the OKC crowd, reflecting on his mental toughness developed in Serbia to thrive under pressure. The Nuggets' strategy also saw coach David Adelman seeking ways to preserve Murray's energy by diversifying playmaking responsibilities. The game underscored both stars' vital roles in Denver's playoff ambitions, while outside voices, like former NBA player Lou Williams, urged caution in prematurely placing Jokić among the all-time greatest until his career fully unfolds.