Jamal Murray received a standing ovation after his All-Star nod
The wait is finally over. For years the narrative surrounding Jamaal Murray is that he was “the best player in the NBA who never made an All-Star team.” That changed Sunday when the league officially called Denver Nuggets reserves the Western Conference reserve for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game in Inglewood.
When Jamal Murray took the floor at the Ball Arena for Sunday’s high-stakes showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunderthe Mile High City faithful gave him a hero’s welcome that he deserved dozens of times over.
As the PA announcer introduced “Your First Time All-Star,” the arena erupted into a thunderous ovation. Chants of “JAMALLSTAR” poured from the horns, providing a fitting soundtrack for the player who served as the heartbeat of Denver’s offense alongside Nikola Jokic.
“JAMALLSTAR!”
Jamal Murray received a standing ovation from Nuggets fans after winning the NBA All Star selection 🙌
(via @DNVR_Nuggets)pic.twitter.com/2U0roj3Kmr
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 2, 2026
Murray’s inclusion feels like a huge weight has been lifted off the franchise. While he’s always been a “playoff player,” boasting multiple 50-point postseason games and a championship ring, regular-season recognition has eluded him due to a crowded backfield in the West and past injury setbacks.
This season, however, his production has left coaches with no choice. Murray is currently setting the league on fire with career averages of 25.8 points, 7.4 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game. His efficiency is equally absurd, as he shoots a career-best 49.2% from the field and 44.7% from three-point range.
The timing of the nod is perfect for a The Nuggets team is currently second in the West at 33-16. Murray has carried the load recently while Jokic has recovered from a bruised knee, proving he remains one of the most dangerous offensive engines in basketball.
Joining Jokić in a midseason showcase, the duo becomes the first pair of Nuggets teammates to make an All-Star game together since Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups in 2010. For the player known as the “Blue Arrow,” the standing ovation was about nine years of resilience finally getting its flowers.
2026-02-02 03:39:00
