Murray Exits With Ankle Injury

The injury occurred with just over a minute left in the second quarter as Murray defended a drive by the Knicks' OG Anunoby. After making contact, Murray stepped backward onto teammate Nikola Jokić's foot, causing his left ankle to roll. He remained on the floor in clear pain before being helped to the locker room, unable to put weight on his leg. This latest injury is another setback in what has been a frustrating season for the Nuggets' starting lineup. The game against the Knicks was the first time since November 12 that the team's original starting five were all active and playing together, a reunion that lasted less than one half of basketball. The 142-103 loss that followed was the team's most lopsided of the season. Ankle and leg injuries have been a recurring issue for Murray. He missed 10 games with a sprained ankle in early 2020 and dealt with another ankle issue late in the 2023-24 season. This is in addition to the torn ACL in his left knee that caused him to miss the entire 2021-22 season. The incident adds pressure on a Nuggets team currently sitting 5th in the Western Conference standings with a record of 39-25. Their upcoming schedule includes a road game against the Oklahoma City Thunder followed by home matchups with the Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers. In Murray's absence, veteran guard Reggie Jackson and third-year player Collin Gillespie will likely see increased minutes. Jackson has averaged 9.8 points and 3.7 assists in his career with the Nuggets. Gillespie has appeared in 24 games during a prior season with Denver, averaging 3.6 points in limited action.