The Denver Nuggets were dealt a concerning moment on Monday night when superstar Nikola Jokic exited the game against the Miami Heat with a left knee injury.
The Nuggets went on to lose the contest to the Heat 147-123, but the result quickly became secondary.
The injury occurred late in the first half when Nuggets teammate Spencer Jones made accidental contact with Jokic, stepping on his foot and causing the Serbian center to hyperextend his knee. Jokic immediately collapsed to the floor in visible discomfort and did not return for the remainder of the game.
The Nuggets later confirmed Jokic will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. While no official timetable has been announced, the uncertainty surrounding his status has sparked concern across the league, particularly within Denver’s locker room.
Nikola Jokic Injury: Jamal Murray’s Reaction
Given Jamal Murray’s own history with major knee issues, the Nuggets guard understands better than most how quickly a season, or career, can be derailed. Speaking to reporters in the locker room after the game, Murray addressed the situation with clear concern.
“I mean, I just wish for the best. The first thing that went through my mind was, I hope it’s not what I had,” said Murray, via AltitudeTV. “So as long as that’s not the equation, then obviously it’s part of the game. But we never want to see it happen. I’ll talk to him soon.”
Murray went on to emphasize just how central Jokic is to everything Denver does on the floor. While the Nuggets have built depth and continuity around their core, the 30-year-old remains the engine of their offense and the connective tissue that makes it function, producing historic numbers on a nightly basis.
“Obviously, he’s not just a big part what we do, but almost everything what we do,” Murray added. “So we just want to see him healthy for the most. We just want to see him healthy and everybody’s in here to ready to step up.”
Despite the concern, Murray also struck a pragmatic tone, acknowledging that the team must be prepared to adapt if Jokic misses time. “Next man up” was the phrase he used, a familiar mindset the Nuggets have relied on during injury filled stretches in the past.
Jokic’s Status Looms Large for Denver
Jokic’s injury overshadowed what was otherwise a lopsided loss. He has been in the middle of another MVP caliber campaign, averaging 29.9 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 11.1 assists while shooting 60.4% from the field and 44% from three point range.
For the Denver Nuggets, any extended absence would force major adjustments, but for now head coach David Adelman is taking it one day at a time as the team awaits further information.
“This is part of the NBA. Anybody that gets hurt in this game, it’s kind of gut-wrenching,” Adelman told reporters postgame. Especially somebody as special as he is. So we’ll find out more tomorrow, and we’ll move on as a team. Obviously right now, just more concerned about him as a person with the disappointment of going through something like that. It’s unfortunate, we’re hoping for the best.”
Outside evaluations have added to the uncertainty. Injury expert Jesse Morse suggested that the best case scenario is a bone bruise due to the hyper extension nature of the contact, while also stating that it is very possible the injury could be an ACL tear, which would result in significant time out for Jokic.
Still, there is cautious optimism within the organization as they await the MRI results. Murray’s comments reflected that balance, concern without panic.
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