Jude Magnotti ‘26
EE Sports Columnist
Canada is known for a few things: syrup, the cold, and hockey. Basketball has never been at the top of most Canadians priorities list.
However, in just the first round of the NBA playoffs, two Canadians have completely defied any and all assumptions made about them. Of course, I am talking about Jamal Murray and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Two point guards on Western Conference power houses who take their game up to another level in the playoffs.
Murray, of the Denver Nuggets, is already known for his heightened game in the postseason. In the 2020 bubble playoffs, he averaged 27 a game while helping lead the Nuggets to what was an immaculate playoff run. Then, just last year, he averaged 26 points to help lead the Nuggets to their first ever NBA championship alongside fellow international star Nikola Jokic.
Now, back in the playoffs once again as the second seed, it has only taken Murray one series to rip the hearts out of every Lakers fan on the planet. Not only did Murray average 24 points per game against the Lakers, but he hit not 1, but TWO heart wrenching game winners against LeBron and company (one of which sent the King himself home and the Nuggets on to the next round).
Jamal Murray has always been a solid player, but the difference in his all around production from the regular season to the postseason is astronomical.
In the regular season, Murray has averaged a solid 17.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in a game. During the playoffs, In addition to his menagerie of game winners, his numbers balloon up to 24.9 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds a game. This means that when the post season comes strolling around, Murray transforms from solid second option, to a literal GOD in basketball shorts.
No one can quite say why, but Murray’s postseason success can be credited to his ice-cold nerves under pressure. While others shrink under the bright lines, Murray shines and he takes advantage of those who can’t handle the pressure and makes his mark. His big shot making is reminiscent of another Canadian legend, the floor general himself Stev Nash. However, more than just his shot making, Murray contributes something that very few players can during the postseason: Leadership.
While Jokic may be the clear best player on the Nuggets, Murray is arguably the leader. He is always talking to his guys, always keeping track of them and letting them know what to do. He calms their nerves and gets his teammates focused on the sole purpose of winning. Players like Jamal only come along once every few years, and there’s no one better who could represent Canada on the basketball front than the blue arrow himself.
Nevertheless, Jamal is not the only Canadian on the prowl for NBA players’ blood. The MVP finalist himself, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, is not letting his impact be forgotten.
Alexander was arguably the best player in the league during the regular season averaging an absurd 30 points, 5 rounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals per game. Now, after entering the playoffs with his Thunder as the 1 seed, he has picked up right where he left off.
The Thunder made short work of the Pelicans sweeping them while Alexander retained his usual form of 25 plus points per game. Unlike Murray, Alexander was not originally drafted to the team he is shining on. He was selected by the Clippers, then traded to the Thunder in exchange for Paul George.
Under Chris Paul’s mentorship in OKC, Alexander was able to learn and understand the game like no one else. Once he fully developed his skillset, he went off on the league transforming himself into an all-star and solidified his place amongst the best guards in the league.
Alexander has had so much success in such a short period of time, he is already considered one of the best Canadian players ever. Now, with the Thunder in the driver’s seat and an MVP award within his grasp, Shai hopes to solidify his place among the premier players in the league once and for all.
Both of these players have defied the odds over and over again. They have fought through adversity, setbacks, and blood sweat and tears in order to make it to this point. Along with these super stars, Canada has continued to supply a steady source of basketball talent across the past few years.
Former number 1 pick Andrew Wiggins played a vital role in the Warriors 2022 Championship run. Former number 3 overall pick R.J. Barrett is back home in Toronto and trying to help lift a young Raptors squad out of purgatory and into contention. Even a player as volatile as Dillion Brooks has provided valuable contributions to the NBA through his adoption of the villain role.
These players have proven that Canada is capable of providing something more than just actors, lumberjacks, and hockey players. Their athletes can contribute meaningfully to every sport and as more and more Canadians gain the success of players like Murray and Shai, more and more Canadians will feel the urge to put down the hockey stick in exchange for a basketball. Canada’s finest is among us, and they are here to stay.
Photo courtesy: CBC