The matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Denver Nuggets on Saturday was originally supposed to feature Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey vs. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
With Maxey scratched heading into the matchup and Embiid being scratched shortly before tipoff, the focus shifted to Murray vs. Patrick Beverley.
After the Sixers defeated the Nuggets at home on Jan. 16, Beverley had a comment about how he has been locking up Murray for years. He doubled down on his comments on “The Pat Bev Pod” saying he has been locking Murray up since the bubble in 2020.
After scoring 23 points and knocking down six triples in a 111-105 win over the Sixers, Murray responded to Beverley’s comments and kept it simple:
You can say whatever you want, brother, I’ve got film of it.
Jamal Murray on Patrick Beverley's comments: "You can say whatever you want, brother, I've got film of it." pic.twitter.com/eGpmJrXY8K
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) January 28, 2024
Below are the comments Beverley made on Jan. 16 regarding his defensive effort against Murray down the stretch in the win.
Patrick Beverley on the keys to slowing Jamal Murray late: “No key. I’ve been locking his ass up for years.”
On his approach against a guy like Murray: “No approach. Normal day.” #Sixers
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) January 17, 2024
Beverley is an elite competitor. The guy gives it his all every time he steps on the floor and these comments show it. He isn’t the most talented player, but he always finds a way to help teams win and make big plays. He was terrific in the loss on Saturday, scoring 17 points with 11 assists as he helped keep the score close for Philadelphia.
Murray and the Nuggets simply gained the better of him on Saturday.
“I mean, he is the second-best player on the team,” Beverley told reporters of Murray after the loss. “I expect him to come out there and play hard.”
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