When one thinks of the Denver Nuggets, Nikola Jokić—the three-time NBA MVP who is already staking his claim among the all-time greats–is often top of mind. But even he, in all his greatness, cannot do it alone. The Nuggets’ 2023 title—and their perennial-contender status—would not have come about without his sharpshooting partner, Jamal Murray.

At 28, Murray has been Denver’s second option for almost a decade now, averaging 20-plus points in each of the last four seasons he’s played in—he missed 2021–22 with a torn ACL—while giving Jokic the support that he needs on offense. He has been a perfect complementary piece for years, which makes it all the more surprising that he has yet to appear in an NBA All-Star Game.

There are many reasons behind this, including the West’s historic guard depth, some poorly timed injuries, and his penchant for starting seasons relatively slow that have kept him on the wrong side of the cut. This season, though, feels different. Murray is playing with a maturity and poise that has helped him put on the best season of his career so far. If he can stay on the floor his long-overdue All-Star nod should finally arrive this February.

Through his first 20 games this season, the Canadian-born guard is averaging 24.7 points, 3.3 three-pointers, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.6 assists–all of which are career-highs. He is a major reason why the Nuggets are chugging along as usual with a 15-6 record and his latest performance could not have come at a better time.

Murray scored a season-high 52 points on a blistering 19-of-25 field goal shooting as Denver went on the road to beat the Indiana Pacers, 135-120. He hit a career-best 10 three pointers on 11 attempts while also tallying six rebounds, four assists, and a steal. This would have marked Murray’s career-high had he not dropped 55 points last February.

Nonetheless, the efficiency with which Murray piled up his 52 points was breathtaking. With All-Star voting around the corner, the timing couldn’t have been better to grab everyone’s attention. 

What separates this year’s version of Murray is not just his improved counting stats; it’s the command with which he gets them. His shooting—50.3% from the field and 45.2% on three-pointers—is the best of his career and is also a reflection of his growing on-court maturity. 

The West’s guard depth is as crowded as ever, yet this season Murray is making a case that he should become an All-Star regardless of the competition. If he can keep this up, the Nuggets might not only add a second All-Star—they might put themselves in position for a second title with this core as well.