And Then There Was One
If someone had told Jamal Murray back in early October that he would be the only Denver Nuggets starter left standing by New Year’s Day, his cheerful demeanor might have shifted. After losing three-time MVP Nikola Jokić for at least a month due to a knee injury, the Nuggets (23-10; third in the Western Conference) are also missing guard Christian Braun (ankle sprain from Nov. 12), forward Aaron Gordon (hamstring injury from Nov. 21), small forward Cam Johnson (knee bruise from Dec. 23), and backup center Jonas Valanciunas (calf strain).
When I spoke with Murray during training camp at UC San Diego three months prior—before the spate of injuries derailed their plans—he seemed incredibly upbeat. After a chaotic previous season, he had spent the summer revitalizing both his mind and body, unlike the summer before when contract disputes and injuries complicated his Olympic experience.
This past offseason, Murray had the opportunity to travel and enjoy life, mentioning highlights like trips to Japan and the Cayman Islands. He appreciated the time to bond with family and indulged in his second favorite sport, UFC training, feeling refreshed and ready for the upcoming NBA season.
Following the turmoil in April, which saw the Nuggets fire their general manager and head coach right before the playoffs, Murray yearned for a break. This summer allowed him to truly relax and reset, compared to the previous year when injuries plagued him during the playoffs and Olympics.
With his renewed mindset, Murray returned to the court prepared to leave past difficulties behind. As he noted, “Now I get to come back fresh… just having no stress.” This mental and physical refreshment would become crucial as he faced new challenges for the Nuggets.
Despite Jokić’s absence being a massive setback, it provides hope that Murray’s impressive midseason performance could help maintain the team’s playoff positioning. This year, he’s among a select group of players averaging at least 25 points, seven assists, and four rebounds—a major enhancement from his previous seasons.
Although he faces more rigorous challenges ahead without Jokić, Murray emphasizes the importance of aggression and consistency in his play. The loss of Jokić not only impacts individual performances but also the team dynamic. Nevertheless, with potential returns for Gordon and Braun on the horizon, combined with Murray’s commitment to maintaining his health, the Nuggets have a chance to navigate this injury crisis.
