Denver point guard Jamal Murray is listed as questionable for Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a calf strain. He appeared to sustain the injury in the Lakers’ Game 4 victory that extended the series, which has left the Nuggets concerned about their chances of closing out the Lakers after taking a 3-0 series lead.
Despite struggling from the field against the Lakers, Jamal Murray has had some standout performances in the series, including a game-winning buzzer beater in Game 2. He played a key role in Denver’s run to the NBA championship in 2023 and is one of their best players. If he is unable to play in Game 5, it will be a significant blow to Denver’s offense and overall team morale.
The severity of Murray’s injury is unclear, but his absence would likely mean that backup Reggie Jackson will take on more responsibility in his stead. Nikola Jokić will continue to be Denver’s primary facilitator of offense, but without Murray’s quickness and scoring ability, it may be more challenging for him to get into rhythm.
The Nuggets will need to rely on their defense and bench players to step up if they want to win Game 5 and advance to the next round. The series shifts back to Denver for this crucial matchup, and both teams will be under immense pressure to perform at their best before it’s over.
