Imagine being the lone warrior standing tall amidst a sea of injuries, shouldering the weight of an entire championship-contending team. That’s exactly where Jamal Murray finds himself as the Denver Nuggets’ last remaining starter. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can Murray truly carry the team without Nikola Jokić, or is this the moment that exposes the limits of his leadership?
If someone had told Murray back in October that he’d be the sole survivor of the Nuggets’ starting lineup by New Year’s Day, he might have laughed—or cried. After all, the team’s title hopes now rest squarely on his shoulders. The Nuggets (23-10, third in the Western Conference) are reeling from a devastating injury list: Jokić (left knee, out for at least a month), Christian Braun (left ankle sprain), Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Cam Johnson (right knee bone bruise), and Jonas Valanciunas (right calf strain). And this is the part most people miss: Murray’s offseason revival might just be the key to their survival.
When I sat down with Murray at UC San Diego during training camp, he exuded a lightness I hadn’t seen before. Fresh off a summer of travel, family time, and UFC training—his second-favorite sport—he was unburdened by the chaos of the previous season. Gone were the contract woes and physical ailments that had plagued him during his Olympic run with Team Canada. Instead, he’d spent time in Japan, the Cayman Islands, and his adopted home in Denver, recharging both mind and body.
‘I didn’t really play basketball,’ Murray admitted about his offseason. ‘I just worked out, focused on my body, and decompressed. It was the best part—no stress, no hoops.’ Little did he know how crucial this break would be for what lay ahead.
Murray’s play this season has been a beacon of hope for the Nuggets. At 29, he’s having the best midseason of his 10-year career, averaging 25 points, seven assists, and four rebounds—numbers he’s never come close to before. His 45.4% three-point shooting on 7.7 attempts per game has been nothing short of elite. But here’s the bold question: Is this finally the year Murray makes the All-Star team, or will his solo act fall short without Jokić?
Denver’s win in Toronto on Wednesday showcased Murray’s new reality: double teams, relentless pressure, and no Jokić to bail him out. Their legendary two-man game, which powered the Nuggets to the 2023 title, is now a solo performance. ‘I’ve got to be aggressive, keep my foot on the gas,’ Murray told reporters. ‘Winning is the priority, but I’m also building chemistry for the playoffs.’
The loss of Jokić is catastrophic. His on-court impact is unparalleled, with the Nuggets’ net rating plummeting by 17.6 points when he sits. Valanciunas’ injury only adds insult to injury, leaving coach David Adelman scrambling to fill the center spot. But here’s a thought-provoking twist: Could Murray’s offseason focus on physical health and mental clarity be the X-factor that keeps the Nuggets afloat?
There’s a glimmer of hope: Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun could return by the end of the current road trip, which wraps up in Boston on Wednesday. But Cam Johnson’s reevaluation isn’t until late January, and Jokić’s absence looms large. For Murray, the secret to survival lies in that summer away from basketball. ‘I put in the work on my body,’ he said. ‘Now I can just go into the game free-minded, knowing I’m ready.’
As Murray steps into this unprecedented challenge, one thing is clear: his offseason revival wasn’t just a break—it was preparation for this very moment. But will it be enough? What do you think? Can Murray carry the Nuggets, or is this too heavy a load for one player? Let’s debate in the comments.
