Nuggets’ Jamal Murray Sprains Ankle in Urgent Loss to Mavericks

UPDATE: Denver Nuggets’ star point guard Jamal Murray has suffered a right ankle sprain during a crushing 131-121 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on November 27, 2023. The injury occurred early in the third quarter, raising immediate concerns about his availability for upcoming games.

Murray, who was averaging a career-high 24 points per game, initially left the court gingerly but managed to return for part of the third quarter. However, he was notably absent during the critical final 12 minutes of the game. Coach David Adelman confirmed that Murray will undergo evaluation tomorrow, stating, “It’s a huge absence, obviously, offensively. Jamal’s such a tough player. If he sits himself because of the pain, it probably hurts.”

In the game, Murray recorded 10 points and 9 assists, but his absence could severely impact the Nuggets as they face a growing list of injuries. Fellow starters Aaron Gordon (right hamstring) and Christian Braun (left ankle sprain) are already sidelined, making the team’s defensive struggles more pronounced. Gordon, who was injured on November 21, is expected to be out until late December or early January, while Braun could miss at least six weeks due to his injury sustained on November 12.

This latest setback adds pressure on the Nuggets, who have now lost four consecutive games at home. Player Spencer Jones, who scored a career-high 28 points in the loss, emphasized the importance of Murray’s role, particularly in their signature pick-and-roll plays with Nikola Jokic. “It definitely was a hit, especially coming down the stretch,” Jones remarked.

As the Nuggets prepare for their next game, fans are left anxiously awaiting updates on Murray’s condition. The team’s struggle to maintain consistency without its key players raises critical questions about their performance going forward. The immediate focus will be on Murray’s evaluation tomorrow and how the Nuggets plan to adapt to these challenging circumstances.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.