Last night’s Denver vs Minnesota matchup was one to remember. Everybody believes that Anthony Edwards and Co. have potential. But they also think the ANT is a little green. While he certainly might be, he is up there with all the legends in terms of hunger, drive, and competition. And when they went against the reigning champions, he held nothing back, with the result of a dominant 106-99 outing. However, will this be a consistent sight?

Of course, this is a playoff series, and the tide can easily turn back. But something could hamper that turn, or should we say someone? Ahead of Game 2, the Nuggets’ second superstar, Jamal Murray, conveyed a few concerning factors. He has been dealing with a strained calf muscle since the first-round series against the Lakers. He hadn’t practiced after the same, either. Murray was also on the questionable list before Game 1, a trend that looks like it may continue. In a recent interview, while revealing his injury details, the player expressed the need to “find a way”.

After the Game 1 loss, the 27-year-old said, “It’s [injury] going to be a part of it. I’ve accepted that… We’ve got to keep adjusting and find ways to get it done. The calf is whatever it is.” Well, kudos for the optimism! That’s the first step to keep the head in the game, after all. The moment a player lets the doubts and what-ifs creep into the mind, it was what happened to Klay Thompson. You get the idea.

But Jamal Murray did mention something else earlier, which could be the driving force behind such positivity. “Everybody’s playing through something at this point in the season.” Since the regular season switched to play-in, players have also switched into playoff mode. Joel Embiid and Damian Lillard were the biggest injury-addled names who laid it all out on the floor before having to admit defeat. Will that be the case for Jamal Murray and Denver?

The Jamal Murray worry

The Nuggets are a phenomenal team. There are no two ways about it. But the Wolves are rapidly climbing up the ladder to pose a serious threat to even the “Joker”. Everybody knows how hyped-up Edwards gets when he gets to go against players with credibility. It was on full display when he went all Genocyber on Kevin Durant. Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets are the next hot names. And by extension, the next on his list.

And the TWolves have Jamal Murray in their sights as the perfect target. “We wanted to be as physical as we could with him… try to wear him down,” Minnesota’s assistant coach Micah Nori said. There is no doubt that they are going to put as much pressure as possible on him. Although Jokic has proven capable of leading the team by himself, Murray’s help and the pair’s double-team are some of the most lethal features of a team looking to repeat last year.

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Jamal got only one day to rest between Game 1 and 2. If the Nuggets do not win Game 2, they will be moving forward with a 0-2 record. And although Murray has three rest days before Game 3, the advantage the Wolves could have by then is one they are going to take full advantage of!