Losing Murray is a tough blow for the Nuggets
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray entered concussion protocol after a third-quarter collision with Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle during Friday night’s game forced him to leave the court.
As Murray made a move through the lane with Anthony Edwards close on him, Randle, who was backing up to follow Aaron Gordon, accidentally hit Murray’s nose with his shoulder.
The impact jerked Murray’s head back into Edwards, leaving him hunched over in pain. He continued playing but left for the locker room four possessions later during a timeout to undergo further examination.
Shortly after, the Nuggets announced he would not return for the remainder of the game.
Before exiting, Murray had six points, shooting 2-for-7, and added three assists in his 22 minutes on the floor.
The 27-year-old wasn’t having his best start through Denver’s first four games this season, averaging 18.8 points and 4.8 assists with shooting splits of 37.9/35.0/90.0 as he headed into Friday’s matchup.
Despite the rocky start, Murray’s known for bouncing back after tough shooting nights, and his playmaking, especially when paired with star center Nikola Jokić, is key to the Nuggets’ offensive flow.
Although Murray hasn’t yet earned an All-Star nod in the highly competitive Western Conference, he’s still posted solid numbers, averaging 20.5 points and 6.3 assists with shooting percentages of 46.7 percent from the field and 41.0 percent from three over his last two seasons.
After playing a major role in securing the Nuggets’ first-ever championship in the 2022-23 season, Murray signed a four-year, $208 million contract extension with Denver on September 7.
If he’s sidelined, Russell Westbrook would likely step in as a starter. So far this season, Westbrook has averaged 9.8 points, 3.8 assists, and 1.3 steals off the bench, although his field goal percentage has been a low 27 percent.
Murray’s status should become clearer as the Nuggets prepare for their next game, a face-off against the Utah Jazz on Saturday.
Read More: Nuggets vs. Timberwolves predictions, odds and Top Picks – Saturday, November 1, 2024
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