Nuggets' Jamal Murray Defends Historic Free Throw Performance

Murray fires back at Timberwolves' complaints about his 16 free throw attempts in Game 1 win.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:11pm

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A dynamic, neon-colored painting depicting Jamal Murray driving to the hoop and drawing a foul, with the basketball and players' movements captured in a blur of vibrant brushstrokes.Jamal Murray's relentless drives to the basket and ability to draw fouls proved crucial in the Nuggets' Game 1 victory over the Timberwolves.Denver Today

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray set a franchise record by hitting all 16 of his free throw attempts in Game 1 of the team's playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch's complaints about the number of fouls called, Murray defended the legitimacy of the calls, stating 'I thought I got fouled on every single one of them.'

Why it matters

The Nuggets' ability to get to the free throw line and convert their attempts was a key factor in their Game 1 victory, as they struggled with their perimeter shooting in the second half. Murray's composure and production at the line will be crucial as the Nuggets look to defend their title.

The details

In the Nuggets' 116-105 Game 1 win, Jamal Murray set a franchise record by hitting all 16 of his free throw attempts. This performance was crucial in keeping the Nuggets afloat as their three-point shooting faltered in the second half, going just 1-for-17. Murray attributed his individual success and the team's gritty win to the 'adrenaline and butterflies' that come with the start of a playoff run.

  • The Nuggets defeated the Timberwolves 116-105 in Game 1 on Saturday, April 19, 2026.

The players

Jamal Murray

The Denver Nuggets' star guard, who set a franchise record by hitting all 16 of his free throw attempts in Game 1 against the Timberwolves.

Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets' star center, who recorded a triple-double in the team's Game 1 victory over the Timberwolves.

Chris Finch

The head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who expressed frustration with the officiating and the number of fouls called on Jamal Murray.

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What they’re saying

“I thought I got fouled on every single one of them. I don't know what everybody's talking about. [They were] real fouls.”

— Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets Guard

“It's a head-scratcher. [Murray] shot 7-for-22 from the field, and he's at the line 16 times. That's a tough one to swallow.”

— Chris Finch, Minnesota Timberwolves Head Coach

What’s next

The Nuggets and Timberwolves will face off in Game 2 on Monday, April 21, 2026.

The takeaway

Jamal Murray's ability to get to the free throw line and convert his attempts was a crucial factor in the Nuggets' Game 1 victory. Despite the Timberwolves' complaints about the officiating, Murray defended the legitimacy of the calls, highlighting his team's grit and composure as they look to defend their title.