The Denver Nuggets are on the brink of elimination as they prepare to face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night. The team will depend heavily on Jamal Murray, who has been battling an illness but remains available to play. Coach David Adelman confirmed that while Murray is “definitely sick,” he is crucial for the Nuggets’ chances of extending the series and forcing a Game 7.
In the Nuggets’ recent Game 5 loss, Murray scored 28 points, although with limited efficiency. He was one of the few players to support Nikola Jokić, who had an outstanding game with 44 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists. Murray’s performance will be vital as he is Denver’s second most significant player, and his health could exacerbate the team’s depth issues if he is not at full strength.
Throughout the series, Murray has averaged 24 points with an efficiency of 42% in the two games won by the Nuggets, while his numbers dipped to 19.6 points on 38.2% shooting in the three losses. His struggle to score efficiently reflects a broader challenge faced by the entire team, including Jokić. The Nuggets must have him contributing if they hope to turn the tide in their favor.
The Nuggets will also look to boost their offense from other key players, as Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun combined for a mere 10 points on only 4 for 19 shooting in their last game. Porter Jr., dealing with a shoulder injury, has had his shooting affected, while Braun, despite his commendable growth this season with an impressive regular-season average of nearly 16 points, has seen his postseason performance drop to an average of 11.3 points and an efficiency rate of just 43%.
As the Nuggets prepare for this pivotal game, the demand for Porter Jr., Braun, and Aaron Gordon to rise to the occasion intensifies. Their performance alongside Jokić will be crucial to avoid being knocked out of the playoffs.
With their backs against the wall, the Nuggets will be hoping for a spirited performance, showcasing resilience and teamwork to overcome the challenges they face and keep their playoff hopes alive.