Injury Update: Jamal Murray
In a disappointing 131-121 defeat against the Dallas Mavericks, Jamal Murray, the point guard for the Denver Nuggets, suffered a right ankle sprain. The injury occurred early in the third quarter, prompting Murray to gingerly make his way to the locker room, only to return and finish the quarter. However, he was notably absent from the bench during the final twelve minutes of the match, contributing to the team’s fourth consecutive home loss.
Coach’s Remarks
Addressing the media, Coach David Adelman indicated that Murray would undergo evaluation the following day.
“Losing Jamal is a significant blow to our offense,”
he acknowledged.
“He’s a tough competitor. If he decides not to play due to injury, it means he’s truly in pain. I’m hopeful he can rejoin us for the next game.”
Prior to this matchup, Murray had been enjoying a standout season, averaging a career-best 24 points per game; he concluded the game with 10 points and nine assists.
Teammate’s Perspective
Teammate Spencer Jones, who impressively tallied a career-high 28 points during this game, voiced the impact of losing Murray, especially in crucial moments.
“His synergy with Nikola Jokic in the pick-and-roll is something that we relied on heavily, and without him, we clearly faced challenges.”
Concerns Over Murray’s Injury
Murray’s injury is particularly concerning given his history; he tore the ACL in his left knee towards the end of the 2020-21 season. Last postseason, he demonstrated his skills with an average of 26.1 points and 7.1 assists, playing a pivotal role in leading the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship.
Impact on the Team
Should Murray be sidelined, he will join fellow starters Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun on the injury list. Gordon has been sidelined with a right hamstring injury since November 21 and is not expected to return until late December or early January, while Braun has been dealing with a left ankle sprain sustained on November 12 and is likely to be out for at least six weeks. Both players are critical defensive assets, and their absence has been felt by the team.
Coach’s Response to Injuries
Adelman commented on the injuries, stating,
“I won’t make excuses about the players we are missing. We have enough talent here to maintain a strong defensive presence.”
