Before the NBA playoffs and his endeavor to assist Denver in reclaiming the championship title, Denver Nuggets standout Jamal Murray shared insights on his playoff performance improvement, his commitment to staying with the Nuggets for the long haul, his perspective on not yet being chosen as an All-Star, his assessment of his and Nikola Jokic’s standing as a duo, his endorsement of Jokic for MVP, the influence of coach Michael Malone behind the scenes, his involvement in the amusing Cheetos “Other Hand” campaign, and additional topics in an interview with HoopsHype.

Jamal Murray (JM): There are obviously other amazing candidates that could win the award and are playing at a very high level and gearing their teams up for the playoffs, but I just don’t think anybody has a strong enough argument to beat Nikola as we’re the best team in the league with the No. 1 seed in the West (tied) in the toughest conference. His numbers are getting better every year, so you can’t say it’s a stats thing that he’s not playing up to par with his first MVP. I don’t think there’s a portfolio or resume that’s going to match Nikola’s.

JM: If you want me to rank where I believe, I think we’re the best duo. I think they’re in a bigger market and people have more interest in LeBron and AD in LA, or what Dame and Giannis could be, or what Luka and Kyrie could do. If we’re talking about the best duos in getting the job done and how they play for each other and with each other, I think me and Jokic are undoubtedly number one.

JM: It feels like home. They’ve treated me as family. It’s been reciprocated and vice versa. I spent six months in Kentucky and then, as a Canadian, I went to Denver and that was the only other state I really spent time in. This feels like a second home and being able to develop chemistry with these guys on and off the court, I think not a lot of people and teams in the league have this kind of chemistry where they’re winning at a high level, they genuinely enjoy each other and spend time with each other off the court. I think it’s a lot of fun in this position I’m in to be able to play pure basketball that’s not forced. There’s less chaos. It’s a family environment. I’m blessed to be in Denver and have them love me as one.