OKC Thunder: Jamal Murray leadership ascent was aided by Chris Paul

OKC Thunder captain, Chris Paul was asked to shed light on leadership to Jamal Murray and his effect is shining through this postseason

With the OKC Thunder out of the playoffs, our attention has turned to the Conference Finals. For fans still invested in watching these games one of the best surprises has been the performance of the comeback kids – the Denver Nuggets.

While everyone expected the two LA clubs to be embroiled in a showdown it was the Nuggets behind the efforts of their two stars who upset the Clippers and came back in both their previous series from a deficit of 1-3 in the series. An accomplishment that only had occurred 11 times prior.

Already an established All-Star, Nikola Jokic was expected to be the main factor but it’s the ascent of Jamal Murray into stardom which has fans and pundits alike the most impressed.

Although the Nuggets have fallen behind again 1-3 in the conference finals this is a position they’ve proven adept at overcoming.

Again, one of the main reasons why the Nuggets have won six straight elimination matches has to do with the improvement of Murray.

During the series, both Nuggets coach Mike Malone and the Nuggets guard spoke of last season when Denver lost game seven in the conference semifinals to the Portland Trail Blazers. After their exit Murray met with Malone who cited his inconsistency and the need for him to become a more well-rounded star. Murray didn’t balk at this assessment and stated he spent the offseason focusing on becoming a better leader.

OKC Thunder captain Chris Paul mentored Jamal Murray on leadership

Apparently, part of that growth can be credited to OKC Thunder captain Chris Paul. In a media session, Malone confirmed he had Murray spend time with CP3 this past offseason. As Charles Barkley has repeatedly said, Paul is the best leader in the association and this tap by Malone seemingly confirms that many of his peers and bench bosses feel the same way.

This season was one of rejuvenation for the Point God who landed on his ninth All-NBA team, returned to play in the All-Star Game, and was once again cited as the best leader in the NBA.

Although no details about his conversations with Murray have been disclosed his effect on the Canadian is palpable. In the six elimination games the Nuggets have played to this point Murray’s efforts are impressive:

• Game 5 versus Jazz: 42 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, steal 4-8 from deep, +20 plus/minus in 41:22 playing time
• Game 6 versus Jazz: 50 points, five rebounds, six assists, 9-12 from deep, +12 plus/minus in 43:03 playing time
• Game 7 versus Jazz: 17 points, two rebounds, four assists, steal,1-6 from deep, -4 plus/minus in 41:21 playing time
• Game 5 versus Clippers: 26 points, eight rebounds, seven assists,  5-7 from deep, +9 plus/minus in 39:50 playing time
• Game 6 versus Clippers: 21 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals, 1-2 from deep, +14 plus/minus in 40:47 playing time
• Game 7 versus Clippers: 40 points, four rebounds, five assists, steal, 6-13 from deep, +15 plus/minus in 44:41 playing time

Averages in the six elimination games: 32.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists, (26 of 48) shooting 54.1 percent from the perimeter.

One area that Paul must have spoken to Murray about is closing quarters and end of games. The clutch master in the NBA this season was CP3 but in the playoffs, it’s Murray who owns that mantle.  The Nuggets guard is shooting 55.6 percent in the clutch and prior to uncalled fouls by LeBron James on Murray in Game 4, those numbers were closer to 75 percent.

His 9.4 fourth-quarter scoring is second only to prior opponent Donovan Mitchell although the Jazz guard didn’t post a positive plus/minus in this frame (-4.5) whereas Murray does (+2.3).

Yet arguably the area of Murray’s game that has taken a massive leap is his defense and his leadership on the floor. Any given game you’ll see Murray attempting to make a big play on the end of the floor he was previously cited as being a problem.

More from Thunder News

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

But for a last-second 3-point shot by Anthony Davis in Game 2, we’d be talking about the Murray block on Danny Green‘s 3-pointer. Throughout matches it’s a common sight to see the Nuggets guard talking to his teammates, encouraging them, or celebrating their efforts.

All of these actions are things the OKC Thunder captain is known for and it’s clear he must’ve relayed those elements of leadership to Murray.

Regardless of whether the Nuggets fall to the Lakers their season will be viewed as a resounding success.  That said, they enter this evening once again down 1-3 and facing their seventh elimination game of the postseason.

If Murray has any say on what happens he’ll be channeling the OKC Thunder captain with hopes of bringing his leadership and clutch time prowess to the court with hopes of extending the series.