Kofi Inkoom
Jamal Murray’s availability for Monday’s Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers is uncertain (listed questionable) due to a left calf strain, according to Harrison Wind of Denver Sports.
Despite playing 39 minutes in Saturday’s Game 4 loss and putting up 22 points, six rebounds, and five assists, Murray appears to have sustained a calf injury during the game. Although the Nuggets won the first three games of the series, the Lakers have consistently held the lead in most of the matchups.
Whenever Jamal Murray has been healthy in the postseason, the Denver Nuggets have made deep playoff runs, but their fortunes have been less favorable when he’s been sidelined.
This season, Murray played in only 59 games due to various injuries, following a breakout performance in the 2020 bubble playoffs. Unfortunately, he missed the playoffs in both 2021 and 2022 before returning to help the Nuggets win the title in 2023.
Despite relatively good health for Murray and the team in the last two seasons, his availability for Game 5 is uncertain due to a calf strain. If Murray is unable to play, the veteran Reggie Jackson, who is also dealing with an ankle injury sustained in Game 3, will likely step in.
Jackson, who played nine minutes in Game 4 without scoring, has been a consistent contributor, averaging 10 points, 3.8 assists, and 1.9 rebounds per game over 82 games this season, with 23 starts.
Given Murray’s history of playing through injuries, it would be surprising if he didn’t take the court, but ultimately, the decision may lie with the Nuggets’ medical staff.