Nuggets’ Stars Jokic and Murray to Miss Another Game Against Lakers
Hey there, basketball fans! If you’re following the Denver Nuggets closely, you might be a bit concerned about the latest news coming out of Los Angeles. The Nuggets’ dynamic duo, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, are set to sit out for a second consecutive game this Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers. The team announced this decision as both players continue to nurse some nagging injuries.
During a pregame media session, Nuggets coach Michael Malone shared some insights into the situation. He mentioned that Christian Braun, who also missed Monday’s win over the Golden State Warriors due to left foot inflammation, would be back in action against the Lakers. However, Jokic and Murray were described as “much more questionable.”
Now, let’s dive into the specifics of these injuries. Jamal Murray is dealing with a sprained right ankle, and it was evident that he was struggling to move during a brief 1-on-1 matchup with Denver assistant coach John Beckett, which took place more than two hours before tip-off. As for Nikola Jokic, the three-time MVP is grappling with a left ankle impingement and a contusion to his right, shooting elbow. Ouch!
Coach Malone emphasized the importance of listening to one’s body, saying, “You listen to your body. I have to, as a head coach, trust our players as well as trust the training staff.” It’s clear that the Nuggets are taking a cautious approach to ensure the long-term health of their star players.
However, Malone wasn’t too pleased with the perception that the Nuggets are simply resting Jokic and Murray, especially when facing teams that are direct competitors for Western Conference playoff seeding. He didn’t mince words, stating, “I think that’s just a bunch of bulls—. I mean, in the last 10 years, Nikola Jokic has played the second most games in the NBA. Ten years. And the guys in that top 10, none of them are superstars.”
Malone continued, “So if Nikola is not playing, it’s not because he’s sitting. It’s not because he needs rest. It’s because he’s hurt and he’s trying to play through things that most wouldn’t. We’re at a point right now where we have to do what’s best for not just Nikola, but for all our guys, as we move forward and try to close out this season.”
- Jokic’s impressive durability: In the last decade, Jokic has played the second most games in the NBA.
- Murray’s struggle: A sprained right ankle is keeping him off the court.
- Christian Braun’s return: He’ll be back in action against the Lakers.
As the Nuggets aim to secure their playoff position, the health of their key players is paramount. While fans might be disappointed not to see Jokic and Murray on the court, it’s crucial to remember that their long-term well-being is the priority. The Nuggets are making strategic decisions to ensure their stars are ready for the challenges ahead.
So, Nuggets fans, keep your fingers crossed for a speedy recovery for Jokic and Murray. In the meantime, let’s see how the rest of the team steps up against the Lakers. Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds!
Originally Written by: Tim MacMahon
