Update: Jamal Murray is active for Game 6.
With a chance to clinch a spot in the Western Conference Finals on the line tonight in Phoenix, the Denver Nuggets could be without one of their most important players for one of the biggest games in franchise history.
The Denver Nuggets has existed as an NBA franchise for close to 50 years, but in all that time the organization has never reached the league finals and has only made a trip to the Conference Finals twice. On Thursday night, they have an opportunity to reach just their third Western Conference Finals. However, they may have to do it short-handed and without talented young star Jamal Murray.
On Thursday afternoon, just hours before the Denver Nuggets take the court against the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center, it was reported that Jamal Murray unexpectedly popped up on the team’s injury report and is now listed as questionable for their massive Game 6 clash with the Suns. Murray supposedly has an illness that is a non-COVID issue.
All eyes and interest from the Denver Nuggets fan base will be on every update ahead of the 10 PM ET start time for the team’s matchup on ESPN.
Why Jamal Murray missing Game 6 for Denver Nuggets is a huge problem
Jamal Murray missed all of last season after tearing the ACL ligament in his left two years ago. While the 26-year-old did not make the All-Star team this season, he has played like one in 2022-2023 as he has been the clear undisputed scoring sidekick to two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.
However, in the 2023 NBA playoffs, the Denver Nuggets star has elevated his game and played a massive role in their success and being on the cusp of reaching the Western Conference Finals for just the third time in franchise history.
Over the last few weeks, Jamal Murray has led the Denver Nuggets in minutes, he is second in points (25.9) and assists (6.7) per game, and is third on the team in steals. Nikola Jokic has played like a top-five player in the postseason, but the team does not reach this point in Game 6 without the help of Murray.
Even with Murray, it has been difficult for them to put away Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and the Suns, so being without him could hamper their Game 6 chances severely.