Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray has come under fire from fans after attending UFC 309 in New York between games on the Nuggets’ current road trip. The decision to take a side trip during the middle of a crucial stretch without Nikola Jokic has been criticized as a display of poor leadership and focus, especially given Murray’s recent struggles.
Murray was spotted in the audience at Madison Square Garden, watching the headline fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, and even exchanged contact information with former UFC champion Kamaru Usman. This move did not sit well with many Nugget fans, who felt that Murray should have been prioritizing his responsibilities with the Nuggets.
The backlash intensified after the Nuggets’ loss to the Memphis Grizzlies without Ja Morant, where Murray finished with 13 points on 6-15 shooting and 6 turnovers. The Nuggets’ performance without star center Nikola Jokic, who was absent for the birth of his son, was lackluster, and Murray’s decision to attend the UFC event only added to the frustration.
“Jamal Murray flying all over the country to watch UFC fights on off days while he’s been horrible all year after just signing a max contract? Probably should spend more time focusing on a job where he’s doing a lot less than he’s supposed to be,” one fan commented on social media.
Murray’s recent performances have been underwhelming, and the Nuggets have struggled without Jokic’s all-around contributions. The team’s reliance on Murray to step up in Jokic’s absence has only highlighted his inconsistent play, leading to increased scrutiny from fans and media alike.
