Nuggets guard Jamal Murray has been cleared to play in Thursday’s playoff game against the Oklahoma City Thunder despite an illness. Initially listed as questionable, Murray’s status remained uncertain until the last moment. Head coach David Adelman revealed that he learned of Murray’s illness that morning, emphasizing his uncertainty about the player’s condition. However, the Nuggets confirmed Murray’s availability just an hour before the game’s scheduled tip-off. The nature of Murray’s illness was not disclosed.
Murray’s potential participation comes as a crucial development for the Nuggets, who are on the brink of elimination in the second round of the Western Conference semifinals. The Thunder lead the series 3-2 after a comeback win in Game 5, positioning themselves to close out the series with a victory in Game 6.
Murray’s presence is vital for the Nuggets, who have been contending with limited depth against the Thunder’s extensive rotation. Denver has primarily relied on an eight-man lineup, with Russell Westbrook contributing significantly off the bench. As the team’s leading scorer and playmaker, Murray’s averages in the playoffs include 22.3 points, 5.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. He shoots 44.7% from the field and 37.8% from three-point range, logging 41.8 minutes per game—the highest of any player in the postseason.