Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray finally earned a spot in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. The league announced the reserve stars for both the Western and Eastern Conference teams on Sunday. After years of being snubbed, Murray was included in the list of players who will put on a show on Feb. 15.
While his long wish of making it to the All-Star Game has come to fruition, he offered a strong take about it. The amount of effort that the stars put up during the exhibition game has drawn criticism over the last few years. It has left fans dissatisfied with how players perform.
For his All-Star debut, however, Murray wants to bring back the competitive quality of the tournament.
“I really kind of lost interest in the All-Star, just watching whatever they’re doing out there,” Murray said. “I’d rather go on vacation, if that’s the basketball we’re going to be playing… I would like to play (hard).
Murray plans to play hard in the All-Star Game:
“I really kind of lost interest in All-Star just watching whatever they’re doing out there. I’d rather go on vacation if that’s the basketball we’re going to be playing…I would like to play (hard).
full answer👇 pic.twitter.com/nU64KuPvcy
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) February 2, 2026
“I know (Victor) Wembanyama will play (hard). I know Giannis (Antetokounmpo) will play (hard), if he were to. I want to be one of those guys that’s known as someone who’s going to play hard whenever he steps on the court.”
Fans expect Jamal Murray to put on a show and play hard in his All-Star Game debut.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reacts to Jamal Murray’s All-Star selection
It’s been a long time coming for Jamal Murray, which makes it special. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the current league MVP, expressed his gratitude that his fellow Canadian was now an All-Star following the announcement.
“Well, well, well-deserving — he’s playing amazing this year, first and foremost,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Really good player. He’s earned it for sure. Might be a little late, to be honest.”
This season, Murray has appeared in 45 games, averaging 25.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 7.5 assists.
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