The Denver Nuggets have been dealt a major blow to their hopes of getting past the Phoenix Suns in Game 6 tonight with news regarding Jamal Murray.
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Jamal had been having a stellar playoff run thus far, in line with his performance from the 2020 bubble. He was especially brilliant for Denver in Games 1 & 4 of this ongoing series.
The Nuggets have won all 3 of their home games, but have suffered 2 agonizingly close defeats on the road. They had the opportunities to win both Games 3 & 4, but failed to capitalize on their chances.
Is Jamal Murray playing tonight vs Phoenix Suns?
Jamal Murray has been listed as questionable for tonight’s Game 6 between the Nuggets and the Suns. Phoenix beat writer Kellan Olson reports that the Canadian guard is dealing with a non-Covid illness.
The Nuggets have a much deeper roster around 2-time MVP Nikola Jokic in this year’s playoffs. They were banking on this depth to put them above the championship threshold in this year’s run.
This depth will likely be tested in today’s game. Jokic will likely have to shoulder a pretty high playmaking burden as well as scoring a bunch. The likes of Bruce Brown, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr will all have to up their production as well.
What are Jamal Murray’s stats this playoffs?
Through 10 appearances in this year’s playoffs, Jamal Murray is averaging 25.6 points and 6.7 assists per game. The 26-year-old is shooting 46.2% from the field, 37.8% on 3-pointers and 89.7% on free throws.
Murray’s performances have had ups and downs, despite his statistical brilliance. He was roundly criticized for his tendency to call for late-clock isolation plays in both of their round 2 losses.
Despite this laggardness, however, all Nuggets fans know that he’s at the core of their championship bid. Without Murray fit and firing on all cylinders, they can’t hope for much success in these playoffs.
