Jamal Murray delivered a masterpiece in Game 6, pouring in 50 points to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 119-107 win over the Utah Jazz.
The 23-year-old connected on 17-of-24 from the field, including 9-of-12 from the 3-point line, taking over down the stretch with 21 points in the fourth quarter to help his team force a Game 7.
Following his heroic performance, Murray delivered a powerful post-game interview, pointing to his sneakers emblazoned with the images of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, who were both killed by police this year.
“I use these shoes as a symbol to keep fighting all around the world.”
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) August 31, 2020
— Jamal Murray on his custom Pro Models. pic.twitter.com/7FiYDe2lt4
“These shoes mean a lot,” he said.
“You find things that hold value, you find things to fight for and we found something worth fighting for as the NBA as a collective unit. I use these shoes as a symbol to me to keep fighting all around the world. They give me a lot of power to keep fighting."
“We found something we’re fighting for as the NBA, as a collective unit…and I use these shoes as a symbol to keep fighting all around the world.”
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) August 31, 2020
- Jamal Murray after Denver's Game 6 win. pic.twitter.com/rkwPn9QuHX
“It’s not just America, it happens everywhere," Murray said of the ongoing racial injustices.
"...We’ve been trying to fight for 400 years, but these shoes give me life. Even though these people are gone, they give me life. They help me find strength to keep fighting in this world, and that’s what I’m going to keep doing.”
With emotions running high in Orlando, Murray's words resonate deeply as players around the league continue to be a voice for others, using their platform to bring change, while still competing for playoff success.
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