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Denver Nuggets' illustrious starting point guard, Jamal Murray, has recently unveiled a captivating alternate career path he might have pursued. The 26-year-old basketball virtuoso expressed his profound interest in mixed martial arts (MMA), a multifaceted sport that has captured his imagination and passion.
In a candid interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio, Murray delved into his affection for martial arts, stating, “Yeah, that’s a skill, like, if I’m not playing basketball. I’ll probably be in. It’s my other love, I guess, for martial arts, and now it’s back to work in my actual job”.
This revelation has given fans a rare glimpse into the personal interests of the NBA champion player, showcasing a different facet of his character and abilities.
Murray’s Offseason MMA Test
Interestingly, Murray had the unique opportunity to test his MMA skills during the offseason, sharing the mat with none other than the reigning UFC featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski.
Although Murray showcased his prowess and held his own against the seasoned fighter, the experience ultimately ended with Volkanovski executing a choke, leading to Murray’s submission. Currently, however, Murray’s focus is solely on basketball, as he and the Denver Nuggets prepare to defend their NBA title.
The team’s journey to secure back-to-back championships will commence on October 24th at their home court against the formidable LA Lakers. Murray’s performance last season was nothing short of stellar, boasting an average of 20 points, 6.2 assists, four rebounds, and a steal in 33 minutes of play across 64 regular-season games.
He upped the ante during the playoffs, elevating his game to average 26.1 points, 7.1 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 40 minutes, contributing significantly to the Nuggets’ victory over the Miami Heat in the Finals.
The Nuggets, having topped the Western Conference last season with a 53-29 record, are poised for another banner year. They are set to navigate through the adversities of the season, with a large target on their backs, as they aim to once again reach the pinnacle of NBA success.
Catch Jamal Murray’s thoughts and insights on the upcoming season and his love for MMA in the interview video linked below, starting at the 5:30 mark. Stay tuned as the Denver Nuggets embark on their journey to defend their title and etch their names in the annals of NBA history once more.