The Denver Nuggets's title defense didn't go exactly how they planned, falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of last year's postseason.
Despite injuries and fatigue playing their part, the Nuggets enter the 2024-25 season as one of the favourites to emerge from the Western Conference, behind only the Oklahoma City Thunder according to oddsmakers.
With a healthy squad to start the season, point guard Jamal Murray is confident their championship window is still firmly open.
MORE: Jamal Murray's max extension keeps Denver's core intact
"I think we're ready to bounce back," Murray told The Sporting News.
"I think the energy is really high. We've had a great training camp, spent a lot of time together over these past couple of weeks, so I think all that's starting to come into play and we're really excited to get it going.
"I think we'll get off to a great start just by the amount of time that we've had together and had time to get to know each other on a personal level, so looking forward to that translating on the court."
With teams like the Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks all re-tooling their rosters in the offseason, the competition in the Western Conference will be as tough as ever, but for Murray, the championship mindset remains strong as the Nuggets look to get back on top.
"Just win every game," Murray said of the Nuggets' approach this season.
"When you have a group that's talented and that's ready to win, that's all it has to be about. So I think just winning should be the priority for everybody and if we keep it that way, then I think we can get a job done."
The 27-year-old put up strong numbers last season with career-highs in points, assists and 3-point percentage as he continues to flourish in a potent two-man game with 3-time MVP Nikola Jokic, outscoring opponents by 11.5 points per 100 possessions in their minutes on court together last season.
With their continuity and chemistry, alongside the likes of Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon, Denver's well-oiled machine will no doubt be one of the teams to beat in the West.
The Nuggets showed their faith in their core in the offseason, inking Murray to a four-year, $208 million contract extension keeping him in Denver through the 2028-29 season and keeping their core intact for the foreseeable future.
Murray applauds Westbrook's energy
While the Nuggets' core is intact, their rotation will take on a different look this season, with shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signing with the Orlando Magic in free agency, opening the door for third-year guard Christian Braun to see his minutes increase.
Along with KCP's exit, backup point guard Reggie Jackson departed for Philadelphia. In his place is veteran guard Russell Westbrook, a player Murray is excited to share the floor with.
"He just brings the energy, he brings pace, he's a vocal leader, he brings competitive spirit and passion for the game," Murray said.
"So I think it's [going to be] really fun. It's always fun when someone cares about the game as much as you do. I think that's always fun, and it means more to go out there and try to accomplish a goal together.
"So from all the years of competing against each other, kind of checking each other from afar, and now it's cool to be on the same team and be able to gel and have that chemistry to go there and win a championship."
Murray working on getting his NBA 2K rating up
Ahead of the season, one of the most contentious debates always comes when the annual NBA 2K player ratings drop and this season is no different.
Murray comes into the 2024-25 season with an 87 rating, down one point from his 2K24 rating and the Canadian is ready to put in the work, not only to help the Nuggets win, but to climb the rankings in the video game.
Jamal Murray will be playing #NBA2K25 early pic.twitter.com/kEAmnsjJpj
— NBA 2K25 Dispatch (News & Info) (@2KDispatch) September 3, 2024
"It could always be higher. That's why you got to go in the season, improve it and show it," Murray said.
"So just looking forward to stepping on the court and getting that rating up."
