Jamal Murray Sprains Ankle in Nuggets’ 131-121 Loss to Mavericks

URGENT UPDATE: The Denver Nuggets face a critical setback as point guard Jamal Murray sprained his right ankle during a tough 131-121 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on November 27, 2023. Murray sustained the injury early in the third quarter, raising immediate concerns for the team as they battle for a stronger season.

In a dramatic turn of events, Murray initially walked gingerly to the locker room but returned to play through the third quarter. However, he was absent from the bench during the final 12 minutes of the game, leaving fans and teammates anxious about his condition. Coach David Adelman confirmed that Murray will undergo evaluation on Tuesday. “It’s a huge absence, obviously, offensively,” Adelman stated. “Jamal’s such a tough player. If he sits himself because of the pain, it probably hurts. I’m hoping he can come back for the next game.”

Murray, who was averaging a career-high 24 points this season, finished the night with just 10 points and 9 assists. His absence could significantly impact the Nuggets’ performance moving forward, especially as they attempt to rebound from their fourth consecutive home loss.

Teammate Spencer Jones, who scored a career-high 28 points in the game, echoed the sentiment: “It definitely was a hit, especially coming down the stretch. Everybody knows the deadly pick-and-roll of Mal and Nikola Jokic. We definitely struggled.”

This injury adds to the Nuggets’ woes, as Murray joins fellow starters Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun on the sidelines. Gordon has been sidelined since November 21 due to a right hamstring injury and is not expected to return until late December or early January. Braun has been out since November 12 with a left ankle sprain, projected to miss at least six weeks. Both players are pivotal to the team’s defensive strategy.

Adelman remains focused on the future: “I’m not going to come in here any night and sit down and talk about guys that are out. We have enough here to be more consistent defensively.”

The situation remains fluid as the Nuggets await the results of Murray’s evaluation. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for updates on his condition and the team’s next steps as they strive to maintain their competitive edge in the league.

This developing story highlights the urgency of Murray’s situation and its potential impact on the Nuggets’ season. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.