NEW DELHI: The absence of key players Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray from the Denver Nuggets’ Saturday night game against the Portland Trail Blazers was a major blow. Jokic was out with an injured left ankle from the team’s previous victory over the New York Knicks, and Murray was unable to play due to back and hip problems.
Jokic had played a fantastic game against the Knicks, posting a triple-double with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists, so his absence was especially noticeable. His 22nd triple-double of the season was demonstrated by this outstanding performance, underscoring his enormous influence on the court. The two-time NBA MVP has been the Nuggets’ mainstay this season, leading the team with an amazing average of 26.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game in 68 games.
Murray, who scored 23 points in the Nuggets’ victory over the Knicks, has averaged 20.9 points and 6.7 assists per game in 54 games. Murray has been a vital scoring and playmaking component for the team.
The Nuggets faced a big obstacle when Jokic and Murray were sidelined, forcing other players to step up in their place. On the court, though, they were dearly missed, especially when playing the Trail Blazers, a fierce rival
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The Trail Blazers were also facing injury issues in addition to Jokic and Murray, with players like Deandre Ayton, Jerami Grant, and Anfernee Simons among those out. In particular, Simons’ left knee injury sustained in the Trail Blazers’ previous game against the Los Angeles Clippers complicated their starting lineup for the Nuggets game.
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