Jamal Murray overcomes illness to help Nuggets force Game 7
- Jamal Murray played through illness to score 25 points in a critical Game 6 against the Thunder.
- The victory leveled the series at 3-3, setting up a decisive Game 7 in Oklahoma City.
- Both teams are competing for a spot in the Western Conference Finals next week.
In the recent Western Conference semifinals of the NBA playoffs, Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets played through illness to contribute significantly to his team's success. On May 15, 2025, Murray scored 25 points, aiding the Nuggets in their 119-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, which tied the series at 3-3, forcing a decisive Game 7. This was a pivotal game held in Denver, Colorado, where the Nuggets capitalized on a strong performance from Murray and standout contributions from Nikola Jokic and Julian Strawther. Following this win, the series heads back to Oklahoma City for an ultimate showdown. The contest was not just an ordinary playoff game; it was marked by drama and high stakes. Murray's determination was notable as he had been feeling unwell leading up to the game, having been listed as questionable on the injury report. His ability to perform at such a high level despite these challenges illustrated the intensity of the playoffs and the critical nature of the match. Nikola Jokic led the team with an impressive 29 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists, solidifying his role as a key player for Denver. Meanwhile, Julian Strawther added momentum by scoring 15 of his points in the second half. The Thunder, who boasted a league-best 68 wins during the regular season, were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 32 points. Despite the defeat, the Thunder are set to host Game 7, which holds significant implications for both teams. Both sides have battled hard in this series, with Denver striving to defend their title and Oklahoma City hoping to claim their first trip to the Western Conference Finals since 2016. The upcoming game is being viewed as a critical turning point, impacting the future of both franchises and their playoff aspirations. As the Nuggets prepare for Game 7, they face uncertainty regarding Aaron Gordon's participation due to a hamstring injury. NBA playoff matchups are often intense and closely contested, and this series has been no exception. The matchup reflects not just the skills of individual players but also the narrative of two teams with differing paths throughout the season, setting the stage for an exhilarating conclusion to the series at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.