Nuggets Locker Room: Game 7 Hunger Has Jamal Murray Making Ultimate Sacrifice but Coach Malone Demands More

With rumors revolving around the absence of the Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray from Game 7, a surprising update from the Nuggets camp has left fans baffled. In the last game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Murray sustained an elbow injury. It led to speculations that the Nuggets star might not be playing in the next game. However, a Denver Post insider revealed that he is the one practicing more than any other player on the team. Per the source, he was working on getting better of his floaters.

But that’s not the only thing that was special about Murray. The Nuggets coach, Michael Malone, also saw a change in the guard as he spoke to the Denver Post, “He looked like he hadn’t eaten in two days. … I hope he doesn’t eat until tomorrow at 6 p.m.” Ahead of Saturday’s showdown with the Wolves, coach Malone was referring to the hunger for victory that Jamal Murray was craving. Though Malone seems to be appreciating the guard’s dedication, he is expecting from him for Game 7.

Despite all the promising training maneuvers that Murray is displaying, he is at the risk of not playing in the next game. In Game 6 against the Timberwolves, he tried to get past Rudy Gobert’s screen. However, in an attempt to do so, the Nuggets guard injured his elbow. Apparently, he could not cross the 10-point mark in the last game. However, the sheer will to attain victory is what is fueling Murray now. The Nuggets star hopes to get it “right” for his team’s sake at Game 7.

What more do the Nuggets need apart from Jamal Murray to get the finals ticket?

The main problem that the Nuggets have faced against the Timberwolves is their ineffectiveness to score. Usually, the sharp offensive roster that the team acquires is enough to frighten the opponents. However, for the Wolves, no one has shown any significant performance from the MVP holders Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon. Though Jamal Murray could also deliver well, his injuries have restrained his movements this postseason. It ultimately affected his scoring in the playoffs.

Moreover, another problem for the Nuggets to worry about is their defense. Justin Holiday, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Michael Porter Jr. did not deliver an impactful performance. The Wolves’ defense has shut them down most of the time they go for the hoops. Caldwell-Pope does seem efficient in the same games, but the inconsistency is still there.

Overall, the elite offense that the Nuggets are famous for is crumbling against the Timberwolves. The only option for them to give a tough challenge to the Edwards and Co. and secure their place in the finals is through a team play. An accumulated effort from the whole offense can land the Denver Nuggets further into the playoffs. However, Jamal Murray is an important part of it all, and his team can’t afford to miss him from the next game.