Inside The Nuggets

Kevin Durant Calls Denver Nuggets Star 'Supreme Shot Maker'

Kevin Durant recently spoke on the Denver Nuggets star guard and what makes him a dangerous player to face
Mar 7, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) controls the ball in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Mar 7, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) controls the ball in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

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Jamal Murray wasted no time reinforcing expectations for his Denver Nuggets after a Game 7 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals. It was on brand for the kind of player he'd become for them.

"We just came up short tonight," Murray said after confirming his belief that the Nuggets were capable of another title. "(We're going to) get back in the gym and get back to it for next year."

Nuggets star Nikola Jokić's response was more jaded.

"I mean we didn’t (win a championship)," he said, "so, obviously we can’t."

Denver's brass got to work on improving the Nuggets' roster around Jokić, Murray over the offseason to ensure their contention window remained open. Changes included trading Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson, bringing back fan-favorite Bruce Brown and working through a contract dispute with Jonas Valančiūnas to add frontcourt depth.

According to Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant, Murray remains among the most dangerous pieces of Denver's roster.

Durant Calls Murray 'Supreme' Shooter

Last season, Murray averaged 21.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and six assists on 47 percent shooting from the field and 39 percent shooting from 3, marking his best offensive season since joining the Nuggets in 2016.

Durant emphasized Murray's shot-making ability when describing the danger he presents on the court.

“Supreme shot maker from anywhere,” Durant said.

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) reacts after a steal and basket in the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers during g
Apr 29, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) reacts after a steal and basket in the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers during game five of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Despite his strongest season to date, Murray's mindset playing next to Jokić remained the same — it stood as the reason he doesn't shoot more.

"I have the best player in the world, a three-time MVP," Murray said. "I’m not going to force it. I might have it going and get to 25 shots, but it’s all about the flow of the game. I don’t like to come down and force things."

Next season, Murray will remain a crucial piece of the Nuggets' Western Conference push. With the improvements they made, securing a top-five seed wouldn't be a surprising outcome. But as Murray knows better than anyone, it only guarantees a spot, not a win.

So, he'll continue to shoot the ball. But only as much as the game calls for. Perhaps that's partly how he earned his "supreme" praise.

"I’d love to shoot 25-30 times a night," Murray said, "but at the end of the day, I'm trying to win."

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Matt Guzman
MATT GUZMAN

Matt Guzman is a sports journalist and storyteller from Austin, Texas. He serves as a credentialed reporter and site manager for San Antonio Spurs On SI and a staff writer for multiple collegiate sites in the same network. In the world of professional sports, he is a firm believer that athletes are people, too, and intends to tell stories of players and teams’ true, behind-the-scenes character that otherwise would not be seen through strong narrative writing, hooking ledes and passionate words.

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