Murray's 43-point explosion on Tuesday gave Denver a 3-2 series lead on the Clippers and evoked memories of the 2023 championship run.

Jamal Murray erupted for 43 points and Russell Westbrook chipped in 21 in his return from a foot injury, sparking the Nuggets’ 131-115 win over the Los Angeles Clippers Tuesday night that gave Denver a 3-2 lead in the best-of-7 series.

Jamal Murray is at his best when he’s at his worst, as usual. In Game 5, he led the Nuggets on a night when even Nikola Jokic was relatively quiet.