Jamal Murray has been one of the key players for the Denver Nuggets, playing a pivotal role alongside Nikola Jokic in securing the team’s first-ever NBA championship by defeating the Miami Heat 4-1 in the finals. This season, Murray has demonstrated flashes of his exceptional talent in the games he’s participated in so far.
However, in one of the recent Nuggets’ matchups against the Chicago Bulls, Jamal Murray had limited playing time due to a reported hamstring injury. The entire team is eager for his return, and the franchise has provided an injury update.
Nuggets brace for extended periods without Murray
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone spoke with reporters on Monday evening and disclosed that Jamal Murray would be out for a longer period than initially anticipated. In a tweet from Katy Winge, Malone responded when asked about Jamal Murray’s hamstring injury, stating that it is not a “one or two-game injury.” He further emphasized that it is something that will “take longer than we would prefer,” but the Nuggets “need to keep the big picture in mind” and expressed their desire to prevent it from lingering.
It’s an unfortunate injury update, but as Malone emphasized, the team’s priority is Murray’s well-being. They don’t want this injury to linger throughout the season, so they’ll ensure Murray fully recovers before he returns to the game. Considering Murray’s recent injury history, it’s even more reasonable for Denver to exercise extra caution. The Nuggets aren’t willing to take that risk, especially at this early stage in the season.
That’s why they’ve already determined that Murray will miss several games. While this is undoubtedly disappointing, the Nuggets have a “next man up” mentality that has been evident over the last few seasons. With Nikola Jokic and the rest of the team, they have several weapons to use in the absence of their starting point guard. While there isn’t an exact return date for Murray, the Nuggets acknowledge it will take longer than they initially hoped.
Nuggets ease past Bulls and Pelicans without Jamal Murray
Denver Nuggets seem to be not really disturbed at the moment with their starting point guard Jamal Murray injured at the moment. Though Murray had a short stint in the matchup against the Bulls but missed the game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Murray played for 10 minutes due to injury and scored two points and two rebounds in the game. Jokic had 28 points, 16 rebounds, and 9 assists, and with Porter Jr. who also had a season-high of 27 points. In a game at home, the Nuggets secured a 123-101 victory over the Bulls on Saturday night.
However, Monday’s game marks the beginning of a potential stretch during which the Denver Nuggets might have to play without Jamal Murray. In the first seven games, Murray was the second-highest scorer for Denver, averaging 16.3 points per game. He also contributed 7.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game, which played a crucial role in Denver’s impressive 6-1 start to the season.
Reggie Jackson started the second half in Murray’s place Friday, while Collin Gillespie got the second-team minutes after halftime and Jackson started again in Monday’s 134-116 win over the Pelicans. The final MVP’ had a triple-double of 35 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists in just 36 minutes of play the Nuggets were enough to seal their victory without Jamal Murray. However, the Nuggets will aim to finish a four-game homestand undefeated when they face the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.
