After finally facing defeat at the hands of the Lakers on Saturday, the Nuggets are back in Mile High City for Game 5, hoping to finish the job in front of their fans. However, defeating the Lakers could prove more challenging than it sounds because of one crucial reason. The Nuggets might have to get on the court without their superstar Jamal Murray. Deemed as questionable for tonight’s game due to a left calf strain, head coach Mike Malone provided a concerning update about Murray, while keeping the bigger picture in mind.

When asked if Murray would suit up against the Lakers tonight, Malone claimed it was not about whether he can play or not. Believing anybody can play under any circumstances, if need be, the head coach revealed they need to determine if Murray can be as effective on the court as he usually is and help the Nuggets win. “If he’s able to do that and we’re not risking further injury, then hopefully he can go out there and give it a go.” However, if Murray does not seem 100% before the game, Malone has faith in other players to step in and do Murray’s job while he rests.

Faced with a tough decision, Malone believed it was important to be the voice of reason in a chaotic environment, “Sometimes I have to be the adult in the room… if need be, be the voice of reason and take a bigger picture approach.” Although the fans would love to see Murray on the court, if he somehow aggravates his injury further, that would shatter Denver’s Championship dream even if they get past the Lakers tonight.

How important is Jamal Murray for Denver’s success?

If it wasn’t for Jamal Murray’s iconic buzzer-beater over AD in Game 2, we might have been looking at a tied series between Denver and LA right now. By successfully finishing a twenty-point comeback with that shot, Murray helped the Nuggets take a commanding lead in the series. With that and the history of elevating his game during the playoffs, Murray’s impact on Denver’s success cannot be denied.

Just looking at their Championship run last year, Murray increased his scoring average from twenty points in the regular season to a whopping 26.1 points in the playoffs. Not only that, there was also a significant rise in his assists and rebounding numbers. Murray’s performance proved to be the difference maker in the Nuggets finally winning their first title in franchise history.

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Although Murray’s playoff numbers against the Lakers right now are not as high as last year, they have come in crucial situations and helped Denver gain the upper hand. While averaging 21.5 points in the first four games, he is still the second-best player in his team, behind The Joker. And he must stay healthy throughout the playoffs for the Nuggets to win back-to-back titles. That’s because even if Denver eliminates the Lakers tonight, they will have to face Anthony Edwards and Co. in the next round, who are coming off a dominant sweep against the Suns.