Jamal Murray
Getty
Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets was named as an All-Star this season.
The Denver Nuggets will have their star point guard available Monday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder after a weekend injury scare.
All-Star guard Jamal Murray has officially been upgraded to available on the NBA’s injury report, clearing him to play despite briefly being listed as questionable following a scary ankle incident in Denver’s previous game.
The update provides a major boost for the Nuggets heading into a pivotal Western Conference showdown against the defending champions.
Jamal Murray Cleared After Scary Ankle Incident
Murray’s availability comes just days after a frightening moment during Denver’s previous game when the guard accidentally stepped on the foot of teammate Nikola Jokic while attempting a step-back move.
The play occurred shortly before halftime. Murray immediately collapsed to the floor and grabbed his left ankle, prompting concern from teammates and coaches. He needed assistance walking off the court and was helped to the locker room by teammate Jonas Valanciunas.
Murray did not return to the game, and the team initially described the injury as an ankle sprain.
The incident raised immediate fears that Denver could lose one of its most important offensive weapons during the critical final stretch of the season.
Fortunately for the Nuggets, subsequent evaluation and treatment produced encouraging results.
The team later categorized Murray as day-to-day, and he progressed well enough during recovery to avoid missing time entirely.
Nuggets Coach David Adelman Optimistic About Murray
Denver coach David Adelman had already expressed optimism about Murray’s chances of playing after the guard reported significant improvement during the weekend.
According to Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette, before Monday’s matchup, Murray responded better than expected during recovery and was scheduled to test the ankle during his pregame warmup.
“The hope is Jamal Murray can go tonight,” Benedetto wrote on X.
The Nuggets ultimately received the outcome they hoped for when Murray was officially upgraded to available on the league’s final injury report.
Adelman also noted Murray’s well-known toughness has often allowed him to recover quickly from minor injuries.
“We know how tough Jamal is,” the Nuggets coach said, via Katy Winge of Altitude TV.
Jamal Murray Having Career-Best Season for Nuggets
Murray’s return is especially significant given the season he is having.
The first-time All-Star is enjoying arguably the best campaign of his career, averaging 25.5 points, 7.2 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game.
He has also delivered elite efficiency for a high-usage guard, shooting 48.4 percent from the field and 43.1 percent from three-point range in 59 games.
Murray’s offensive production has been a crucial complement to Jokic’s MVP-caliber play, giving Denver one of the league’s most dangerous inside-outside offensive combinations.
His ability to create shots late in games and orchestrate the pick-and-roll remains central to Denver’s offensive identity.
Nuggets Seeking Statement Win Against Thunder
Murray’s availability could prove critical as the Nuggets try to bounce back against Oklahoma City.
The Thunder have emerged as one of the NBA’s dominant teams this season, and the matchup carries playoff-like intensity with both teams firmly in the Western Conference race.
Denver is also motivated after its previous loss to Oklahoma City in late February, when the Thunder showcased their defensive versatility against the Nuggets’ offense.
Having Murray on the floor dramatically changes Denver’s offensive ceiling.
His scoring bursts and playmaking ability often determine whether the Nuggets can match the pace of high-powered opponents like Oklahoma City.
Murray’s Health Key to Denver’s Championship Hopes
Beyond Monday’s game, Murray’s quick recovery is an encouraging sign for Denver’s long-term outlook.
The Nuggets have dealt with intermittent injuries and lineup absences throughout the season. Keeping Murray healthy alongside Jokic remains the most important factor in their pursuit of another championship run.
For now, Denver appears to have avoided a potentially serious setback.
Just days after leaving the court in visible pain, Murray is set to take the floor again — a development that could help stabilize the Nuggets as the regular season heads toward its decisive final stretch.