The Denver Nuggets are making sure to play it cautiously with star guard Jamal Murray against the Trail Blazers
Nuggets head coach David Adelman said before Friday's game against the Blazers that Murray would go through his pre-game workout, and if he experienced any discomfort, he would not suit up for the game. Murray entered the game questionable with calf soreness.
The 28-year-old point guard has played in all four games for the Nuggets this season, averaging 27 points, six assists, and four rebounds. He's shooting 50% from the field and 41% on seven attempts from three.
His 27 points per game average is the highest of his career and six points higher than his 2024-25 average of 21.4 points per game.
Murray has battled injuries throughout his career, missing the entire 2021-22 season with a torn ACL. He missed time in 2024-25 with hamstring, knee, and ankle ailments.
He did end up playing 67 games last season, his highest number of total games since playing 75 in 2018-19, while also playing a career high 36 minutes per game.
The Nuggets are 4-1 on the season, winning four straight games after dropping their opener in overtime to Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors.
Denver is coming off a 122-88 route against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. Murray had his worst shooting game of the young season, scoring just 17 points on 5-14 shooting. He did have six assists, and played only 25 minutes as the Nuggets were able to rest their starters in the blowout.
Jamal Murray's Importance To Denver
In Denver's win against Minnesota on Monday, Murray scored 43 points on 16-29 shooting and 5-9 from three.
The nine-year veteran has established elite chemistry with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic over the years, playing Robin to Jokic's Batman during their championship run in 2022-23.
Jokic is once again averaging a triple double in his first four games, scoring 20 points to go along with 11 assists and 14 rebounds. His assist and rebounds averages are the highest of his career.
After taking on the Blazers on Friday night, the Nuggets will get the weekend off before returning to the court on Monday to take on the Sacramento Kings, kicking off a four-game home stand at Ball Arena.
They will rematch the Warriors on Friday, November 7th, which is the first game in the NBA Cup group play for Jokic and company. Other games during the home stand includes a 2023 Finals rematch against the Miami Heat, and a showdown with reigning Eastern Conference Champion Indiana Pacers.