On December 3, 2025, guard Jamal Murray delivered a masterclass. He poured in 52 points on 19-of-25 shooting, drained 10-of-11 from three-point range, and led Denver Nuggets to a 135–120 win over the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis. What makes this explosion stand out is not just the raw scoring but how it rewrote the benchmarks for efficiency and historic context in the modern NBA.
Perfect Storm: Volume And Unmatched Efficiency
Murray rarely scores 50–plus points, but when he does, he tends to do it with flair and this time with surgical precision. He knocked down 19 of his 25 field-goal attempts and crucially 10 of 11 from beyond the arc. That equates to a near-perfect shooting night, even while carrying a heavy load.
The 10-for-11 from three is evidence of one of the most efficient 50-point games in NBA history. According to Stathead, Murray became the first player ever to drop at least 52 points, hit ten or more three-pointers, and shoot at least 75% from the field in the same game.
In an era where pace is up and defenses are stretched, volume shooting alone doesn’t guarantee impact. Murray’s efficiency meant this wasn’t just a scoring explosion, it was a statement night, a display of pure offensive dominance under pressure.
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Franchise Record Update: Passing Legends
This wasn’t simply another 50-point outing for Murray. It added to his growing legacy with the Nuggets. The 52-point performance is his third regular-season 50-point game, adding to a small and elite list of Denver players who’ve cracked that barrier. By doing so, Murray overtook Carmelo Anthony to hold the most 50-point games in franchise history.
That milestone carries weight. Denver is a storied franchise with offensive legends; for Murray to surpass a Hall of Fame-level scorer at his own game underscores just how high his star has risen.
Redemption After Adversity: Jamal Murray Bounced Back from Injury
Less than 48 hours before the 52-point blowup, Murray had suffered a right ankle sprain in a loss to the Dallas Mavericks. He was listed as questionable leading up to the Pacers game. To then deliver arguably the most efficient 50-point night of the season is remarkable.
It speaks volumes about his resilience, conditioning, and mental toughness. In an era when load management and injury caution are common, Murray proved that he can flip from vulnerability to dominance in record time — a hallmark of elite-level competitors with championship aspirations.
Elevating Denver Nuggets’ Momentum: Part of Bigger Picture
His 52-point night wasn’t just personal glory. It propelled the Nuggets to a gritty road win and extended their road winning streak to eight games.
Moreover, even with contributions from stars like Nikola Jokić, Murray’s scoring overshadowed everything else. As one recap put it: “He barely needed any help … putting the team on his back with a historic performance.”
At a time when Denver aims to reestablish itself among the league’s elite, nights like this mobilize the roster, energize the fan base, and send a statement to the rest of the league: that the Nuggets don’t rely solely on their big man to carry the load.
Modern NBA Context: Redefining Shooting Standards
Some of the most iconic 50-point games in history came in eras where the three-point shot was optional — a luxury. What makes Murray’s 52 stand out in 2025 is its blend of high volume and elite efficiency in a three-heavy league.
He joined Aaron Gordon as the only players in Nuggets history with 50+ points and 10+ made threes in a game. That places him among a new breed of modern scorers: players who don’t just rack up points, but do it with efficiency, range, and consistency.
All in all, Murray’s 52-point explosion against Indiana won’t just be another box score to glance at. It will be remembered as a performance that married volume, accuracy, resilience, and team impact and reasserted his place among both the Nuggets’ greats and the league’s elite scorers.
