Jamal Murray Drops 42, Nuggets Outlast Wizards in Gritty Home Win
It wasn’t pretty, and at times it felt like déjà vu in the worst way. The memory of last season’s shocking home loss to the Wizards still lingers in Denver, and for much of Saturday night, it looked like the Nuggets might be headed for another head-scratcher. But when it mattered most, the stars stepped up, the role players delivered, and Denver walked away with a 121-115 win at Ball Arena.
Let’s start with Jamal Murray, who was questionable heading into the night but ended up delivering one of his best performances of the season. Murray torched Washington for 42 points on 15-of-24 shooting, including a scorching 5-of-8 from deep. He poured in 16 in the fourth quarter alone, hitting clutch jumper after clutch jumper to keep the Wizards at bay.
This wasn’t just an All-Star caliber night-it was a statement. Murray has been playing like one of the league’s elite guards all season, but since Nikola Jokic went down, he’s taken on even more responsibility and somehow raised his level. He’s not just keeping the Nuggets afloat-he’s leading them.
Hardaway Jr. and Watson Keep Delivering
While Murray was the headliner, Denver’s supporting cast once again proved why this team is deeper than most. Tim Hardaway Jr. came off the bench and lit it up for 30 points on 10-of-18 shooting.
His ability to create instant offense has been a huge asset, especially with Jokic sidelined. Hardaway’s scoring punch has given the Nuggets a reliable second unit weapon-and he was crucial in keeping Denver in control during some shaky stretches.
Peyton Watson, who’s been one of the breakout stories during this Jokic-less stretch, chipped in 21 points and 5 rebounds. It wasn’t his most efficient night, but his defensive presence and energy on both ends continue to be difference-makers. Even when the shots aren’t falling, Watson finds ways to impact the game.
Aaron Gordon Rounding Into Form
Another bright spot? Aaron Gordon.
After missing more than a month with a hamstring issue, Gordon is starting to look like himself again-and that’s big news for Denver. He came close to a triple-double on Saturday, finishing with 8 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists.
But the box score only tells part of the story. Gordon was everywhere-guarding multiple positions, pushing the pace, and making the kind of smart, connective plays that don’t always show up in the highlights.
The Nuggets were +14 in Gordon’s minutes, the best mark on the team. That’s not a coincidence. His versatility and physicality give Denver a different gear, especially when Jokic isn’t on the floor.
Grinding Out the Wins That Slipped Away Last Year
This wasn’t a dominant performance, and the Nuggets had to work harder than expected to put away a young, feisty Wizards squad. But that’s exactly what makes this win meaningful. These are the types of games Denver let slip last season-games where the energy wasn’t quite there, the shots weren’t falling early, and the opponent wouldn’t go away.
This time, they found a way. That’s four straight wins for the Nuggets, six of their last seven, and they’ve now gone 7-3 without Jokic in the lineup. At 29-13 overall, they’re not just surviving-they’re thriving.
The Nuggets are back at it on Sunday, hosting the Charlotte Hornets. If Murray keeps playing like this, and the supporting cast keeps showing up, Denver’s going to be a tough out-Jokic or no Jokic.