Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray missed their second straight game due to injuries. Nuggets coach Mike Malone defended the Serbian star player, emphasizing his durability and commitment to playing through adversity.
Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray missed their second straight game on Wednesday night as the Denver Nuggets faced the Los Angeles Lakers on ESPN. Both players attempted to suit up but were ultimately sidelined due to injuries.
2-pointers this season
Denver Nuggets
NBA
Their absence also sparked controversy earlier in the week when they sat out against the Golden State Warriors on Monday. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps criticized the move, calling it a "horrible look" for the NBA, implying the Nuggets were resting their stars rather than dealing with legitimate injuries.
However, with Jokic and Murray missing another game just two nights later, those claims quickly lost credibility. Nuggets head coach Mike Malone addressed the situation pregame against the Lakers, firmly shutting down any notion that Jokic was simply resting.
"The last 10 years, Nikola Jokic has played the second-most games in the NBA," Malone stated. "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."
Malone’s remarks, reported by Altitude TV’s Katy Winge, highlight Jokic’s durability and competitive nature. The two-time MVP has rarely taken games off throughout his career, making it clear that his recent absences stem from legitimate health concerns, not strategic rest.
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