Jamal Murray defies medical staff, pulls off more heroics to slay Lakers for good

Leading up to game 5 of the Nuggets and Lakers first-round playoff series there was serious doubt about the health status of Jamal Murray. Murray strained his calf in game 4 and was listed as questionable ahead of Monday night’s game in Denver.

On top of his health, Murray had been struggling mightily in the series. He was having a poor go of it shooting from the field, hadn’t made more than nine field goals in a game, and his subpar performances were largely masked by his game 2 heroics.

Jamal Murray's health status was in serious doubt

Murray was a game-time decision almost all the way up until tip-off and was seen wearing a massive leg wrap and brace during warmups. 

Well, obviously, anyone who watched the game knows the rest of the story. Murray gutted it out and played incredibly, capping the night off with yet another game-winning - and this time series-winning - shot. Jamal has become the most deadly clutch player in the entire NBA and when the game is on the line you simply expect him to make it at this point.

While he was killing the Lakers in cold blood there were very few second thoughts about his health, but after the game, Murray and Michael Malone told a different story. Murray stated that the training staff specifically said no, telling him not to play in the game. 

He also said it was tough for him to leave the ground, especially on jump shots. Malone also said it was a very emotional conversation and decision. All signs point to this having been a true game-time decision, but ultimately Murray took the court, and thank goodness he did.

Murray said that he told the training staff ‘no’ and said he wouldn’t have been able to live with himself had he not played. Malone also stated that Murray told him the team needed him, which Malone laughingly claimed was the understatement of the century.

Luckily, Murray seems no worse for the wear and the Nuggets pulled off the win. They’ll get some much-needed rest and time to prepare, then they’ll start a bloodbath of a second-round series with the Timberwolves on Saturday. Buckle up!