In the Best Comeback Athlete category at the ESPYS on Wednesday night, Jamal Murray was recognized. The 26-year-old Denver Nuggets player was recognized for undergoing a protracted recovery from knee surgery, returning this past NBA season, and helping to lead his club to an NBA Finals victory at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
It’s Murray’s first significant solo achievement in his professional career.
Murray began his acceptance speech by saying, “I want to thank God, the man above, for giving me the strength to endure the long journey back,” from the stage.
Murray missed the playoffs after tearing his ACL in the 2020–2021 season. After that, he recovered for the entire following season. He returned this season, and in the regular season, he averaged 6.2 assists, setting a new career high. Murray also expressed gratitude to his coaches, the team’s ownership, and his teammates for “giving him confidence”. Murray also expressed his gratitude to the Nuggets’ fan base, with whom he has a unique bond.
All of my fans believed in me from the beginning, he claimed.
He improved during the postseason, scoring copious amounts of points during the Nuggets’ strong march to the title, and becoming the first player in NBA history to record at least 10 assists in each of his first four NBA Finals games. He addressed the ESPYS audience and remarked, “I’m blessed to be here in front of all you legends.”
Nikola Jokic, a teammate of Murray’s, also received the Best NBA Player honor. Jokic did not take part in the ceremony.