Murray gets community support at old stomping grounds as Nuggets win Game 3

Dozens of children took turns playing basketball at Stanley Park Community Centre on Wednesday night.

Much like Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray once did.

Cindy Hanby, facilitator of the Stanley Park Community Centre, worked in the office when Murray and his family would visit the centre.

“He spent lots of time on this outdoor court shooting hoops with his Dad. His Mom and Dad also taught the basketball program here at the community centre for the Neighbourhood Association for many years.” Hanby explained. “There was a lot of passion there. Always practicing, always shooting hoops, loved to come to our youth drop in program on Friday nights.”

Over 200 people gathered at the community centre to watch the Kitchener star and the Denver Nuggets take on the Miami Heat for Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

Before tip-off, Matt Weidinger and the Tonewheels kicked off the watch party.

The event also featured food trucks, a bouncy castle and an autographed basketball from Murray.

Free chicken nuggets were also provided to all attendees.

The projector is ready and the crowd is gathered at Stanley Park in preparation to watch Kitchener native Jamal Murray play with the Denver Nuggets for game 3 of the NBA finals @CityNewsKIT pic.twitter.com/1iNuhDil0B

— Brandon Maher (@BrandonCityNews) June 8, 2023

Steve Roth, manager of Special Events with the City of Kitchener, organized the event at Murray’s old stomping grounds.

“When one of our own has a chance to do something sensational like win an NBA Championship, let’s celebrate it.” Roth stated.

A massive screen was propped up at the park with a projector to display the game.

Sonia was one of many residents who had a lawn chair propped up in front of the screen, and called Murray a local hero.

“He’s in the NBA. He went to school at Franklin, and he used to shoot right here on this court.”

And the crowd had a great game to watch, Murray set a single-game record for points by a Canadian in an N-B-A Finals game as the Denver Nuggets beat the Miami Heat 109-94.

In fact, Nikola Jokic and Murray became the first teammates in N-B-A Finals history to both record triple-doubles.

The local watch party for Game 4 of the NBA Finals will take place at Bobby O’Briens in Kitchener on Friday night.

A group of kids play a game of basketball at Stanley Park as they wait to watch Jamal Murray & the Nuggets play game 3 of the NBA finals @CityNewsKIT pic.twitter.com/6N2sHUHnxF

— Brandon Maher (@BrandonCityNews) June 7, 2023