Jamal Murray Reacts to Laker Legend's Controversial Statement

Jamal Murray reacted to Shaquille O'Neal's controversial statement following Nuggets-Thunder Game 1.

May 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) defends Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) during the second half in game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Denver Nuggets came away with a huge 121-119 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder to steal Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals on the road. Off of an Aaron Gordon game-winner and a 42-point, 22-rebound performance from Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets shocked everyone to mount a late-game comeback.

It's important to note that the Nuggets did so without much efficiency from point guard Jamal Murray. The former champion put up 21 points, but did so on 6-of-16 shooting, having a tough time on offense.

After the game, NBA on TNT analyst and Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O'Neal asked Murray about his shooting struggles and what he makes of his performance. O'Neal noted that Denver will need the Canadian guard to step up and play at a higher level in order to capture another championship.

"Well, we got the win."

-Jamal Murray postgame after Shaq questions his 6 of 16 shooting

"I know I gotta be better, I got some great looks tonight they just didn't go down... Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to impact the game in different ways to get the win."#Nuggets pic.twitter.com/imFn2xv6ya

— Joel Rush (@JoelRushNBA) May 6, 2025

Following the broadcast, Murray was asked about O'Neal's 'challenge' for him to play better. The 28-year-old acknowledged that he had to be better in high-stakes games like these.

Jamal Murray on Shaq’s challenge to him on TNT:

“Shit I want me to do it as well. I don’t need Shaq to say it.”

— Brendan Vogt (@BrendanVogt) May 6, 2025

"Shit. I want me to do it as well," Murray said. "I don't need Shaq to say it."

Murray backed up his 21 points with six rebounds, six assists, and a steal. He was the third-leading scorer on his team, behind Jokic and Gordon.

Up 1-0, the Nuggets have momentum heading into Game 2 on Wednesday. The series will then head back to Denver, where they can make even more of a statement with home-court advantage against the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, and a team with the best record in the NBA.

Related Articles

Denver Nuggets Make NBA History vs Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Honest Statement After Game 1 Loss to Nuggets

Russell Westbrook Makes NBA History in Nuggets-Thunder Game 1