Jamal Murray has emerged as a prominent face of the NBA Cup in its second year, and he was upfront about the stakes involved when asked if these games carry extra significance.
“Sure, the prize is, what, 500K?” Murray remarked on Wednesday. “So that’s what we’re playing for. A little more? That’s what we’re playing for.”
This year, the victorious team’s players will receive $514,970, reflecting a slight increase under the new collective bargaining agreement. The prize pool is tied to the league’s “BRI Growth Factor” linked to the salary cap year.
Beyond the financial incentives, the competition offers players a chance to claim the NBA Cup, a trophy Murray helped promote in a commercial featuring stars like Anthony Davis, Steph Curry, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“It was really cool,” Murray shared. “Cool commercial. Cool to be in it. We did it in Vegas. So yeah, had some fun out there, too.”
The Nuggets, who are currently 7-3, begin their group-stage games on Friday against the Pelicans, kicking off a road trip that wraps up with another tournament match in Memphis next Tuesday.
They will later host the Mavericks and Warriors at Ball Arena, vying for a spot in the quarterfinals of the rebranded Emirates NBA Cup.
“Can you feel it?” coach Michael Malone said, with evident sarcasm. “It’s palpable. It’s, like, emanating.”
Despite some initial skepticism, the NBA Cup gained popularity last year. Players acknowledged the competitive intensity of the games, especially with financial rewards motivating those on smaller contracts.
The tournament culminates in Las Vegas, with the semifinals and championship scheduled for December. The promotional commercial embraced a Las Vegas theme, with players, including Murray, staging a playful heist to steal the trophy.
“Maybe after my career, I might dabble in a little bit of acting,” Murray joked in a behind-the-scenes NBA video.
On a more serious note, Malone highlighted the league’s effort to boost engagement and viewership. “Adam Silver and the league are constantly trying to find ways to bring fan engagement and excitement and viewership, so I love that,” he said. However, he admitted, “I’d be lying if I said that an in-season tournament game, or the Emirates Cup — is that the proper vernacular? — the Emirates Cup games count more than the other games. Every game for any coach is important. All 82.”
To distinguish tournament games from the regular season, the league has again introduced distinct court designs, though last year’s iterations sparked mixed reactions. This season, Denver’s court will feature a yellow theme, while New Orleans and Memphis courts will use dark blue and gray, respectively.
“Some are better than the others, you know?” Murray commented. “Hopefully they’ll be a little better this year. But I’m indifferent, man. I’m just here to play basketball.”
Last year, the Nuggets fell short of the knockout stage, a challenge heightened this season by being placed in the so-called “Group of Death.” However, injuries to key opponents like Zion Williamson and Ja Morant may tilt the balance.
Still, Malone remains even-keeled about the tournament. “It doesn’t get me more hyped for that game than any others,” he admitted. “To be very honest.”
