Jamal Murray’s Ironman Stretch Is Carrying the Nuggets - But at What Cost?
Jamal Murray is doing something special this season - and not just with his scoring or playmaking. For a player whose career has been riddled with frustrating injury setbacks, Murray’s availability has become one of the most important storylines of the Denver Nuggets’ season. In a campaign where Denver’s roster has been hit hard by injuries, Murray has quietly become the steadying force, suiting up for 41 of the team’s first 45 games.
Let’s pause there. That’s not just impressive - it’s transformative.
Murray has long been viewed as Denver’s emotional engine, but for the first time in a while, he’s also been the physical constant. His presence has helped keep the Nuggets afloat while key contributors have missed time, and his consistency has been a major reason why Denver sits in a strong position in the standings.
The timing couldn’t be better for Murray personally, either. He’s in the midst of a career year and finally looks poised to earn his first All-Star nod - a recognition that’s overdue given his playoff heroics and overall impact. But as the season grinds on, the wear and tear is starting to show.
Over the past few games, Murray’s looked just a touch off - still productive, still dangerous, but clearly not at 100%. He’s been managing knee and ankle issues, and on Thursday night, things got even trickier. Right before tip-off against Washington, assistant coach David Adelman revealed that Murray was dealing with unexpected hamstring tightness.
Despite that, Murray gutted it out. He played 36 minutes and delivered a solid stat line: 24 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists.
More importantly, he helped lead Denver to a 107-97 win on the road. But after the game, Adelman admitted that he nearly pulled Murray from the lineup entirely.
“He stretched, he was ready to go, then he got out there and he was a little bit tight,” Adelman said. “Jamal’s got, like, you name it.
Ankle… Knee…”
That’s where the red flags start to wave.
Murray’s toughness isn’t in question. He’s clearly taking pride in being there for his team, especially with so many teammates sidelined.
But this is where the Nuggets’ coaching staff and medical team need to step in and think big picture. Because as admirable as Murray’s durability has been, the ultimate goal in Denver isn’t a strong January - it’s a deep playoff run come spring.
The risk here is obvious. If the Nuggets push Murray too hard now, they run the risk of wearing him down before the games matter most. And if he’s not fully healthy when the postseason tips off, all of this regular-season heroism could be for nothing.
Denver is currently 30-15. They've weathered the early-season storm and stayed firmly in the mix near the top of the West.
Reinforcements should be on the way, and the All-Star break is around the corner. That makes this the perfect time to be proactive.
Scheduled rest days. Load management.
Whatever it takes to ensure Murray is still flying by April.
Because when Jamal Murray is at his best - healthy, confident, and in rhythm - he’s a game-changer. He’s the kind of player who can swing a playoff series, who can go toe-to-toe with the league’s elite guards, and who can elevate the Nuggets from contenders to champions.
That’s the version of Murray Denver needs when it matters most. And to get that version, they may need to protect him from himself right now.
So yes, enjoy the run. Appreciate the grit.
But keep the bigger picture in focus. Because if the Nuggets want to raise another banner, it starts with keeping their star guard upright and ready for the battles ahead.