The Denver Nuggets put on one of their best offensive performances of the season in a 142-135 win over the Dallas Mavericks, and Jamal Murray was once again at the center of the proceedings. Murray finished with 53 points on 19-28 shooting, another historic day amid a career season so far.

And according to a post on Vinny Benedetto’s X, Nuggets head coach David Edelman believes he’s in contention for the All-NBA First Team as well.

“I really hope All-NBA is something that’s obvious and there’s no argument,” Edelman said, referencing another “special night” for the 29-year-old.

According to The Athletic, Edelman claimed he has had several such nights this season before matching the accomplishments of both Murray and Nikola Jokic with Denver.

“It’ll be really cool when this thing is over and we look back at what these two have done together here. We’re really fortunate in this city to have these two guys playing for this basketball team,” he concluded.

Murray went 9-14 from beyond the arc and also had six rebounds and four assists. The guard had already scored 33 points at halftime, almost half of Denver’s 68 points in the first two quarters.

The Canadian international is having a career season, posting his best-ever averages of 25.4 points, 7.1 assists and 4.4 rebounds. He is also making 7.4 three-pointers per game and 10.9 two-pointers per game, which are career highs.

In addition, Murray’s three-point efficiency (42.6%) this season is also slightly higher than his career-high 42.5%, which came during the 2023-24 season. These statistics have come along with several game-winning performances, with Murray already receiving his first All-Star call-up this season.

Of course, his coach also took this opportunity to praise Nikola Jokic, who returned with a spectacular triple-double of 23 points, 21 rebounds and 19 assists. Jokic reached 6,000 career assists despite shooting only 8-19 from the field during the game. The Nuggets shot 56% overall and 50% from three-point field, much of the credit for Murray’s almost obscene shooting in the game.

The New Orleans Pelicans and Detroit Pistons are set to play on Thursday night. Trey Murphy III and Dejounte Murray both dealt with injury concerns before the game. So, are the Pelicans stars playing tonight vs the Pistons?

Murphy and Murray are both impressive players. New Orleans is trying to pull off an upset on Thursday night, so having Murphy and Murray on the field will be important.

Here’s everything we know about his injury status ahead of tip-off.

Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray injury status vs. Pistons

Murphy is dealing with a right ankle sprain and Murray is listed on the injury report with managing a right Achilles injury. According to the NBA’s injury report, both players are questionable to play Thursday.

At 25-48, the Pelicans are 11th in the Western Conference standings. The Pistons lead the Eastern Conference with a 52–20 record. It will be a challenge to get a win on Thursday night, but the Pelicans will do their best to pull off the upset at home.

When it comes to the question of whether Trey Murphy III and Dejounte Murray are playing tonight, the answer is probably.

pelicans injury report

The Pelicans have six players listed on the injury report.

• Trey Murphy III (right ankle sprain): Questionable
• Dejounte Murray (right Achilles injury management): Questionable
• Bryce McGowens (fractured right little toe): out
• Trey Alexander (G League Two-Way): Out
• Hunter Dickinson (G League Two-Way): Out
• Josh Oduro (G League Two-Way): Out

The Pistons lost to the Atlanta Hawks 130-129 on Wednesday. Thursday’s game represents the second consecutive game for the Pistons, so their injury report has not been released as of the writing of this story.

As the New Orleans Pelicans head into a crucial period of the season, a refreshed Zion Williamson didn’t need a long scouting report to explain the impact of Dejounte Murray’s return to the lineup. The All-Star and longest-tenured player in the locker room needed only one word.

Smoothie King fans can feel it, too.

“Intensity,” Williamson emphasized. “The intensity that he’s bringing to the game, and not just in the game but in practice, is off the charts. It’s been great for this team. So, you know, to make a long story short, his intensity has produced stats for us.”

The numbers support Williamson. In his first 10 games, Murray averaged 18.7 points, 6.2 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 52.7% from the field and 34% from 3-point range.
New Orleans is 5-5 with Murray in the starting lineup, but 9-5 overall since his return, a stretch that has revived optimism around a franchise that spent most of the season searching for stability.

James Borrego has credited Murray’s presence with changing the team’s defensive identity.

“So we’re competing for more shots, there’s more physicality, and we have more size on the floor. We’ve put bigger, more athletic size on the floor,” Borrego explained. “We’re more switchable, and taking away the easy things.”

Borrego pointed to some of the league’s recent success stories as a blueprint, noting that lasting improvement starts with the defense.

“That’s one thing we said during the All-Star break and we discussed it with our team,” Borrego shared. “When you look at the teams that have really made significant leaps within a year or two, Detroit, Phoenix, you can go down the line, Houston, Boston, they’ve done it through their defense. Those top 10 teams that are moving the needle in the Western Conference, they’ve done it through their defense.”

With Murray back on offense, the Pelicans have leaned into that formula. His pace control and pressure on the ball has translated into more contested possession and fewer easy scoring opportunities for opponents. And if Williamson’s assessment is correct, the foundation is less about plan and more about tone.

Intensity, as it turns out, is contagious.

If Dejounte Murray and Jayson Tatum are any indication, an Achilles injury is no longer as career-threatening as it once was. Both Murray and Tatum are looking great upon their returns after long absences caused by rupturing their Achilles tendons; East, in particular, has shined for the New Orleans Pelicans and at least given them hope that they can bounce back next year amid a disappointing 2025-26 campaign.

Murray is coming off a 35-point night in a close loss to the Houston Rockets, and he was efficient too, making 14 of his 18 field-goal attempts on the night. Tatum’s shooting isn’t far behind, but he shot 20-14-7 in his latest outing.

While all fans are seeing is the result of their hard work, Murray had to emphasize that his and his partner Achilles’ path to survival is not as easy as it makes it out to be. During the rehab process, it appears that the bond he has formed with Tatum and Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who is also rehabbing, has made it at least a little easier — as seen this exchange Under one of Murray’s posts on Instagram.

Achilles It’s great to see people supporting each other man pic.twitter.com/ndIZGPUMDi

– JB (@lockedupjb) 15 March 2026

Dejounte Murray, Jayson Tatum are signs of hope for Tyrese Haliburton

Murray was out for over a year recovering from injury and all that time spent on the sidelines must have been very tough for a man who likes the game early. Tatum is an anomaly, as he returned to play less than a year after rupturing his Achilles. But he seems excited for a Celtics team with new title hopes.

This gives so much hope for the Indiana Pacers that Haliburton can provide a similar response after his much-anticipated return. The Pacers are hoping to pick up where they left off in the 2025 NBA Finals upon Haliburton’s return, and the success stories of Murray and Tatum suggest it’s indeed within the realm of possibility.

The Denver Nuggets visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night. Jamal Murray is on the injury report along with Aaron Gordon, with both players listed as probable. Murray is nursing a left ankle injury, while Gordon is nursing a right hamstring injury. The Nuggets defeated the San Antonio Spurs 136–131 after erasing a 20-point deficit. Here’s everything we know about Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon’s injuries and their status for the Lakers game.

Jamal Murray’s injury status vs. Lakers

Given that Jamal Murray is on the injury report as probable, he will likely be in uniform for Saturday’s game against the Lakers. Murray has been on the injury report these days, but continues to play at a high level as the All-Star guard’s 39 points led six Nuggets in double figures, including Nikola Jokic (31 points). He recorded another triple-double (20 rebounds, 12 assists) with three steals and two blocks.

Murray’s production has increased across the board, averaging 28.6 points on 49.6% shooting, including 46.7% through seven games. This is arguably his best offensive performance of the regular season. Meanwhile, Aaron Gordon has only played three games this month as the Nuggets are getting off to an easy start getting back into the crease.

Gordon’s knee forced him to play only 26 games this season as he continues to heal from a season-ending right hamstring injury, leading the Nuggets to what they hope will be a deep playoff run. Gordon missed Game 7 of the Nuggets’ Western Conference Semifinal matchup against the Thunder. After missing Thursday’s game against Spurs, he should be cleared to play in Saturday’s match.

With Thursday’s comeback win against the Spurs, the Nuggets improved to 41-26, the fifth-best record in the Western Conference standings, just a half-game behind the Lakers.

A win against the Lakers would move the Nuggets to fourth place. As far as the question of whether Jamal Murray is playing against the Lakers tonight, the answer is probably yes.

nuggets injury report

Aaron Gordon – probable – right hamstring; injury management

Jamal Murray – Probable – Left Ankle; Sprain

Peyton Watson – Out – Right hamstring; strain

Lakers injury report

Jackson Hayes – Probable – Back; agony

Maxi Kleber – outside – back part of the lumbar region; strain

The Denver Nuggets’ 136-131 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night wasn’t just another regular season win. At one point, Denver was down by 20 points, and things were looking bleak. Plus, the Nuggets were playing for the second night in a row, so coming back against a team like the Spurs was going to be a tough task. But Denver’s response in the fourth quarter spoke volumes about the team’s resiliency.

For Jamal Murray, that’s what made the comeback so important. He would lead a rally in which the Nuggets outscored the Spurs 34–12 in the fourth.

“These are the games you live for,” Murray said after the game. “Maybe not the playoffs, but these wins mean a lot. It says a lot about your character on the road as a group to deal with adversity. … But it’s amazing to see this group come away with a win.”

Murray would have a tough first half, where he could only score nine points. However, he would score 30 points in the second half, including 16 points in the fourth quarter. His step-back three-pointer with less than five minutes remaining gave Denver its first lead, and he hit four crucial free throws to seal the win.

The adversity Murray mentioned extends beyond Thursday’s game. Throughout the season, the Nuggets battled persistent injuries, causing their starting lineup to play only a few games together. Despite Aaron Gordon being out for hamstring maintenance, Denver was still able to accomplish this.

With the win, Denver improved to 41–26 and moved into a three-way tie for third place in the Western Conference. On Saturday they face the Los Angeles Lakers, who themselves are fighting for a spot in this final stretch of the regular season.

新奥尔良鹈鹕队在整个赛季中并不是最好的，但自从德章泰·穆雷回归后，他们在过去几周里有了一些生机。他的组织能力让鹈鹕队的比赛变得更加轻松，他也是他们需要的另一个得分选择。更好的是，他可以离他们更近，而且他不害怕出手。

这就是他们最近对阵多伦多猛龙队的比赛中发生的事情，鹈鹕队希望将他们淘汰出局。穆雷持球，由贾马尔·谢德防守。他对谢德进行了一些动作，导致他摔倒在地，穆雷投篮命中。

这就是该序列的结尾的样子。

德章泰·穆雷 (Dejounte Murray) 摔倒贾马尔·谢德 (Jamal Shead) 后的这张照片 https://t.co/VC7K7sxhgg pic.twitter.com/YWGanOLzEK

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 2026 年 3 月 12 日

对于谢德来说，这不是一个伟大的时刻，但穆雷至少在接下来的一分钟里都在大肆宣传。在那一刻，很明显鹈鹕队在整个赛季的大部分时间里都在想念他。

赛后，猛龙队主教练达科·拉贾科维奇谈到了投篮后发生的事件。

“我不会在那边付出太多。伙计们都很有竞争力。他在那里所做的事情可能超出了范围。我必须在电影中看到它。但我不想做更多的事情，”拉贾科维奇说。

那一刻可能会一直存在，但在某些时候，人们会忘记它，直到发生其他类似的事情。

本赛季7场比赛，穆雷场均贡献17.6分、5.3个篮板和5.4次助攻。鹈鹕队本赛季大部分时间都在西部垫底，但如果穆雷继续打球，他们有可能以强劲的表现结束今年的比赛。

他们没有理由像其他排名垫底的球队那样因为没有今年的选秀权而陷入困境。

经过近两年的耐心等待，新奥尔良鹈鹕队终于对德章泰·穆雷的版本有了更深入的了解，他们认为前执行副总裁大卫·格里芬正在收购他。如果过去几周有任何迹象的话，那就是球队未来的基础正在建立在这位 29 岁的球员的肩上。乔·杜马斯（Joe Dumars）无法低估詹姆斯·博雷戈（James Borrego）的基础已经开始成形，在过去的十场比赛中，这支球队看起来完全不同了。

临时主教练最近转移了赞扬，确保给予穆雷足够的信任。随着他在攻防两端定下基调，鹈鹕队开始养成在西部联盟持续竞争所需的习惯。对于一支长期寻求稳定的球队来说，由一位热情、具有颠覆性的全明星领导的清晰身份的出现让我们得以一睹未来的面貌。

自从朱·霍勒迪指出波特兰开拓者队以来，新奥尔良还没有见过这样的事情。穆雷改变比赛的态度可以说在最近战胜布兰登·英格拉姆带领的多伦多猛龙队的比赛中表现得最为明显。

“德章泰（对阵猛龙队）表现出色，”博雷戈承认。 “也许是我见过他打的最好的比赛，当然是过去两年（在鹈鹕队）。他的热情、竞争力，显然是投篮、防守、沟通、领导力，他给这支球队注入了如此多的信心和战斗力，每个人都围绕着这一点团结起来。”

每个人都可以谈论潜在客户中的无形资产。然而，随着时间的推移，只有一种方法可以衡量这些持久的品质，博雷戈相信德章泰·穆雷的优势具有感染力。

“我认为这确实是我们看到的蓝图。身体素质好、进攻性强、防守好、破坏性强，是一支强大的身体素质球队。这就是我们想要建立的，”博雷戈解释道。 “这就是我们的目标，在本赛季余下的比赛中保持这样的身份。我们已经养成了达到这一点的习惯。现在我们要做的是不要放弃并在此基础上继续努力，就像让它成为标准一样。”

“显然，一切都是从德章泰的进攻点开始的，”教练补充道，“其他人都排队了。”

手部骨折缺席后，右跟腱撕裂，他缺席了一年多的恢复，这对他来说是很艰难的。穆雷（场均上场 26.4 分钟得到 17.6 分、5.4 次助攻、5.3 个篮板和 1.9 次抢断）正在努力弥补失去的时间，以建立一点动力，在他回归的前五场比赛中，每场得分上双，并至少有一次抢断。这个故事超出了统计数据，这就是为什么博雷戈几周来一直赞扬穆雷的领导能力。

德章泰·穆雷 (Dejounte Murray) 效力于鹈鹕队

3月8日，鹈鹕队结束六场客场之旅回到主场并以138-118击败华盛顿奇才队后，博雷戈特别赞扬穆雷让球队取得胜利。防守的基调在整个阵容中产生了连锁反应，建立了一个以前难以捉摸的标准。

“从客场之旅回家后，这些总是艰难的比赛。有时这些比赛可能是陷阱比赛。所以，我为我们的球员感到骄傲。他们以正确的心态做出反应。我给予德章泰穆雷很大的信任，”博雷戈承认。 “他有热情，有活力。他会以某种方式带领我们赢得这场胜利（战胜华盛顿奇才队）。他的反应非常好，他的领导力也很好。”

正如博雷戈所描述的那样，这一标准植根于坚韧和防守破坏。这种风格非常适合穆雷的比赛风格。 2021-22 赛季，他在圣安东尼奥马刺队的抢断榜上位居 NBA 抢断榜首是有原因的。当允许在比赛中发挥自己的身体素质时，穆雷总是处于最佳状态。在新奥尔良，这一角色已经成为人们关注的焦点。

鹈鹕能否将这最后几周转化为下赛季的基础还有待观察。但对于一支经历过苦难的球队来说，观看穆雷带着这样的目标打球至少是一个相信未来看起来比记录所暗示的更光明的理由。

After almost two full years of patience, the New Orleans Pelicans are finally getting an extended look at the version of Dejounte Murray they thought former EVP David Griffin was getting. If the past several weeks are any indication, the foundation of the franchise’s future is being built on the shoulders of the 29-year-old. Joe Dumars can’t deny how much James Borrego’s groundwork is starting to take shape on what has looked like a completely different team over the last 10 games.

The interim head coach has been generous with the praise lately, and made sure to give Murray plenty of credit. With the atmosphere they have established on both ends, the Pelicans are beginning to establish the habits needed to consistently compete in the Western Conference. For a franchise that has long sought stability, the emergence of a clear identity led by a fiery, disruptive All-Star offers a glimpse of what the future could look like.

New Orleans hasn’t seen anything like this since Jrue Holiday headed to the Portland Trail Blazers. Murray’s game-changing attitude was arguably never more evident than in Brandon Ingram’s recent win over the beleaguered Toronto Raptors.

“Dejounte (against the Raptors) was phenomenal,” Borrego admitted. “Probably the best game I’ve seen him play, certainly these last two years (with the Pelicans). Just his fire, competitiveness, obviously making shots, defense, communication, leadership out there, he instills so much confidence and fight in this group, and everybody is rallying around it.”

Everyone can talk about abstract things in probability. However, there’s only one way to measure those enduring qualities over time, and Borrego believes Dejounte Murray’s upside has been contagious.

“I think it’s really the same blueprint that we saw. Physical, offensively, defensively, disruptive, a big physical team. That’s what we’re looking to build,” Borrego explained. “That’s the goal, to keep that identity for the rest of the season. We’ve built habits to get to this point. Now it’s about not giving up and carrying it forward, like letting it become the standard.”

“Obviously, it starts with Dejounte at the point of attack,” the coach said, “and everyone else getting in line.”

Taking more than a year to recover from a torn right Achilles tendon, which came on the heels of a fractured hand, was difficult. Murray (17.6 points, 5.4 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 1.9 steals in 26.4 minutes per game) is trying to make up for lost time by building some momentum, scoring in double figures and recording at least one steal in each of his first five appearances. The story goes beyond the statistics, which is why Borrego has praised Murray’s leadership for weeks.

Dejounte Murray Motors Pelican

After the Pelicans returned home from a six-game road trip and defeated the Washington Wizards 138–118 on March 8, Borrego specifically credited Murray for leading the team to victory. The tone set defensively has created a ripple effect throughout the roster, setting a standard that was previously elusive.

Borrego admitted, “These are always tough games when we come home after a road trip. And they can be trap games sometimes. So, I’m proud of our guys. They responded with the right mentality. I give Dejounte Murray a lot of credit.” “He had fire, juice. He was going to get us a win (over the Washington Wizards) anyway. His great reaction, his leadership.”

The standard, as Borrego describes it, is rooted in toughness and defensive disruption. It’s a style that fits Murray’s game perfectly. He led the NBA in assists with San Antonio during the 2021–22 season. Murray has always been at his best whenever allowed to impose himself physically in a game. In New Orleans, that role has come into focus.

It remains to be seen if the Pelicans can turn these final weeks into a foundation for next season. But for a franchise that has faced hardships, seeing Murray playing with such purpose is, at least, a reason to believe that the future looks bright given the record.

The New Orleans Pelicans haven’t been the best all season, but they have found a little life the past few weeks since the return of Dejounte Murray. He has made things easier for the Pelicans with his play and is another scoring option they need. What’s even better is that he can get as close as he needs to, and he’s not afraid to take the shot.

That’s what happened in their latest game against the Toronto Raptors, where the Pelicans were looking to shut them out. Murray had the ball and Jamal Sheed was protecting him. He hit some moves on Sheed which caused him to fall to the floor and Murray hit a shot.

The end of that sequence was something like this.

This picture of Dejounte Murray after taking down Jamal Sheed 🥶 https://t.co/VC7K7sxhgg pic.twitter.com/YWGanOLzEK

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 12 March 2026

It wasn’t a great moment for Shead, but Murray was in the news at least for the next minute. At that time, it was clear that the Pelicans missed him for most of the season.

After the game, Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic spoke about the incident that occurred after the shot.

Rajakovic said, “I don’t give it too much attention there. The guys are competitive. What they did there was probably off the board. I got to see it on film. But I don’t want to make too much of it.”

That moment may stick around, but at some point, people will forget about it until something else like it happens.

In seven games this season, Murray is averaging 17.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists. The Pelicans have been near the bottom of the Western Conference for most of the season, but if Murray continues to play there is a chance they will finish the year strong.

They have no reason to tank like other teams in the lower tier because they don’t have their picks in this year’s draft.

After dropping back-to-back assignments, the Denver Nuggets will try to return to the win column when they host the Houston Rockets at Ball Arena on Wednesday.

The Nuggets lost 129-126 to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on Monday and lost to the New York Knicks 142-103 at home on Friday.

Jamal Murray was forced to leave his game against the Knicks due to an ankle injury. He was considered questionable before facing the Thunder, but eventually suited up, although he was still not 100%.

According to the Nuggets’ injury report, Murray is dead. Listed as probable For his affair versus the Rockets, Cam Johnson, who is dealing with a back injury.

Meanwhile, Peyton Watson is still out with a hamstring injury, although he could return any time this week.

Injury report ahead of tomorrow’s game against the Rockets:

potential:
Jamal Murray (sprained left ankle)
Cameron Johnson (back spasms)

Outside:
Peyton Watson (right hamstring strain)#milehighbasketball pic.twitter.com/ZI7Hj8tVYR

– Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) 10 March 2026

The 29-year-old Murray is at the peak of his career, averaging career-highs across the board: 25.4 points, 48.2% field goals, 42.7% three-pointers, 4.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists. He earned his first nod to the All-Star Game and is on his way to receiving his first selection to the All-NBA Team.

He has been healthy this season and has only played in four games so far.

The Nuggets will look to continue their dominance over the Rockets, who they have defeated in their last five meetings, including two this season.

Denver has struggled to stay healthy, but the team has regained its starting lineup over the past few months with the returns of Johnson, Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun.

If Murray sits against Houston, Julian Strother, Tyus Jones and Jalen Pickett are expected to take advantage of their minutes and fill voids by committee.

After 13 difficult months of healing from a ruptured right Achilles tendon, Dejounte Murray’s return to the New Orleans Pelicans lineup has provided an unmistakable spark. The All-Star has revitalized a locker room that was searching for an identity all season. James Borrego and Zion Williamson are two of many in the organization who are very grateful that their point guards are still involved with the long-term gameplan.

However, the 29-year-old admitted that the process of returning to form towards the end of the year has not been simple.

“You know, I’m feeling great mentally, physically, spiritually,” Murray insisted. “Really taking it one day at a time, but this thing is a challenge, you know what I mean? Getting back into the flow of things is a challenge.”

Getting reacclimated to the NBA pace in his situation with the Pelicans has really given Murray (16 points, 5.3 assists, 5.3 rebounds) a new appreciation for every opportunity.

“Coming back with only 20-some games left is really different because you see a different perspective of things,” Murray explained. “Some teams are doing this, other teams are doing that, players in, players out. So for me, just taking it one day at a time and trying to get better every day.”

Borrego kept an open mind about Murray’s timeline, allowing the interim coach to consider any contribution a welcome surprise. This is just one way the Pelicans can find a ray of hope amid a lost season.

“To be honest, I didn’t really know what to expect,” Borrego confessed. “I never try to get ahead of it. I just live in the moment, see where (Murray) is, but he’s impressive. I mean, just physically impressive to do that. The fact that he’s out there doing it, for (Jason Tatum) too, you know, he’s doing his job. It’s impressive what these young guys have done, the dedication both of them have shown.”

Williamson and Murray worked on group chat to keep everyone connected between challenges, and that chemistry is paying immediate benefits on the court.

“As a brother, it’s good to have him back on the court,” Williamson said. “Even though we were checking on him, he was doubly checking on us, making sure everyone’s composure was OK, making sure everyone was good, and checking on the team’s position.”

For Murray, the biggest hurdle remains finding his rhythm in meaningful games throughout the season. This will have to wait till next season. The condensed window leaves little room for gradual adjustments, especially for a team that is still trying to find consistency in expansion. For the Pelicans, the 3-3 record with Murray is a reminder of how much unreliable leadership can affect both the locker room and the scoreboard.

On January 31, 2025, Dejounte Murray’s first season with the New Orleans Pelicans ended prematurely when he ruptured his Achilles in an Finals loss to the Boston Celtics. A torn Achilles usually involves an absence of nearly or more than a year, and for the Pelicans guard, it certainly took his time to heal. And the patience with which he carried out his recovery seems to have helped him get back into form.

On Sunday, the Pelicans won 138-118 over the Washington Wizards and Murray has continued his solid play so far in his return. His minutes haven’t been so limited either; He played 30 minutes against the Phoenix Suns last Friday, and was out for 24 minutes in the blowout win over the Wizards, and recorded 19 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals for that contest.

Although Murray has not yet returned to his All-Star form, the fact that he has been so productive for the Pelicans early in his comeback is a source of joy not only for the team, but also for fans of the former All-Star. On Sunday, former NFL safety Ryan Clark were present and praised Murray highly.

Clark said via Pelican Film Room on Twitter

“You know it when you meet a real person.. He’s a guy that will inspire other people… It’s authenticity. You feel that under his leadership.. That’s why I’m here. It’s my first game of the season… I wanted to make sure he saw me”

-Ryan Clark on Dejounte Murray pic.twitter.com/1K0uDQrbM1

– Pelican Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) 9 March 2026

Pelicans want to bounce back next season

The 2025-26 season is over long ago for the Pelicans. All that’s left for them to do this season is play with pride and maybe screw up the plans of the Atlanta Hawks, who they surrendered in the Derrick Queen swap, by winning as many games as they can.

But when the Pelicans are healthy, they are hoping to dismantle the Western Conference playoff picture.

The Denver Nuggets were looking to be championship contenders coming into the season, but injuries have kept them from finding their best basketball so far this season. On Friday night, it looked like Denver was headed for another big loss when Jamal Murray left the Knicks early with an ankle injury.

Murray did not return to the game after being subbed off in the second quarter as the game slipped away in the second half, leading many fans to believe that Murray could be out for some time. However, fortunately this is not the case. According to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, Murray has been listed as day-to-day due to injury and could play in Monday night’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Murray would be officially listed as questionable for that game and his status would be cleared before the game.

The Nuggets have suffered one injury after another this season. Nikola Jokic missed a long period of time due to a hyperextended knee, and Cam Johnson missed a long period of time due to the same injury before injuring his ankle. Peyton Watson is currently out with a hamstring injury. Christian Braun could not play for several months due to an ankle injury. Jonas Valanciunas missed time with a calf strain. Aaron Gordon suffered two separate hamstring injuries before returning in a limited capacity Friday night.

Due to all of the team’s injuries this season, the Nuggets could not afford to lose Murray for any extended period. The first-time All-Star has been one of the best guards in the Western Conference this season, averaging 25.5 points and 7.2 assists per game. When Jokic was sidelined, Murray led the Nuggets on the offensive end and is a big reason why they are still in the top six in the West.

Even if Murray is out Monday night, he should be back by the end of the week as the Nuggets try to improve their seeding in the West ahead of a very competitive postseason. For the Nuggets to get back to the NBA Finals, they will need a healthy Murray to be a part of it, so this update is a big dose of good news in the Mile High City.

Jamal Murray suffered a foot injury during Friday night’s clash between the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks.

Murray suffered the injury in the final minutes of the first half. He was on defense when he contested a shot from New York’s OG Anunoby. However, he injured his left leg as he needed assistance to get to the locker room. According to reporter Rachel Strand, Denver provided an update on whether Murray could return.

“A sight that will make you sick to your stomach. Jamal Murray needs help off the court with a foot injury. He’s heading to the locker room immediately. #MileHighBasketball,” Strand wrote.

“Jamal Murray is questionable to return with a left ankle sprain.”

A sight that will make you feel sick to your stomach. Jamal Murray needs help getting off the court with a foot injury. He is immediately heading to the locker room. #milehighbasketball pic.twitter.com/1Ge61r2ecu

– Rachel Strand (@MileHighRachel) 7 March 2026

How the Nuggets played against the Knicks amid Jamal Murray’s injury

The Nuggets collapsed without the services of Jamal Murray due to injury, and suffered a crushing 142–103 loss to the Knicks at home.

Things were close between the two teams as Denver led 29–27 after the first quarter. However, their defense suffered without Murray as they lost 115–74 over the final three periods of regulation.

Four players, including Murray, scored in double figures for Denver in the loss. Before the injury, he finished with 12 points and three assists on 5 of 10 shooting from the field. Nikola Jokic led the team with 38 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Darron Holmes II was next with 11 points while Cameron Johnson added 10 points and five assists.

Denver fell to a 39–25 record on the season and finished fifth in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns while trailing the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Nuggets will look to bounce back in their next matchup while on the road. They will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder as tip-off takes place on March 9 at 7:30 PM ET.

Jamal Murray is tired of the narrative. For years, the Denver Nuggets point guard has been labeled as the “Laker Killer”, a player who only finds his highest gear when the purple and gold are on the other side of the court. After Denver’s 120-113 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, Murray decided he’d heard enough of over-the-top praise.

When reporter Ryan Blackburn asked if he played with more intensity against Los Angeles, Murray offered a three-word reality check that doubled as a cold-blooded mic drop: “I had 45 last game.”

The math certainly checks out. Just three nights earlier, Murray torched the Utah Jazz for 45 points in a tough 128–125 win. His point was simple: He’s not hunting the Lakers; He’s just hunting buckets, no matter who is standing in front of him. Whether it’s a divisive opponent or a dungeon dweller, the flamethrower keeps burning.

Against the Lakers at Ball Arena, Jamal Murray remained hot, especially during an impressive opening period. He dropped 20 of his 28 points in the first half, helping the Nuggets take a 16–3 lead, which they never relinquished.

While the Lakers kept things interesting for long periods of time, Denver’s star duo proved too difficult to handle. Nikola Jokic complemented Murray with a huge triple-double whenever Los Angeles threatened a comeback, steadying the ship by posting 28 points, 12 rebounds and 13 assists.

Despite losing the effort, the night was historic for the visitors. LeBron James officially broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record for career field goals with his 15,838th bucket in the first quarter. James finished with 16 points before being sidelined briefly with an elbow injury, while Luka Doncic led the Lakers’ scoring effort with 27 points.

Despite the star power on the other side, the story remains Denver’s steady dominance. The Nuggets moved to 39-24, providing some much-needed relief in a crowded Western Conference playoff race. For Jamal Murray, it was just another day at the office, and if you think he’s only doing this because it’s the Lakers, he has 45 reasons from Monday night to prove you wrong.

The transition from starter to reserve can be a tough adjustment for anyone, especially for a rookie point guard on a 19-43 rebuilding team. Unfortunately for Jeremiah Fears, James Borrego is working in a crowded backcourt while making a case to keep the full-time job. Thankfully, Dejounte Murray and Jordan Poole have helped the former Oklahoma player find value in a new perspective as the New Orleans Pelicans move into the final stretch of an otherwise lost season.

With Murray and Trey Murphy III healthy and available, Fears couldn’t complain about being the odd man out. However, after making 44 starts in 62 games, it meant learning a new rhythm and routine. What’s important to having a strong All-Rookie season?

“Being able to make adjustments on the fly, getting out there, getting a feel for the game early. Seeing my first shot, letting my teammates continue to lift me up,” Fears confessed. “Credit to them, credit to the coaches for trusting me and making the right plays. I had too many turnovers (against the Los Angeles Clippers), but I’ll definitely watch film and try to learn from it.”

Learning some lessons that provide a ray of hope moving forward is all that is left for the Pelicans. DeAndre Jordan has served as the bench coach for three young veterans who have come in and out of the lineup. Yves Messi, Karlo Matkovic and rookie Derrick Queen have taken it in stride with an eye on development and the next impressive game.

Instead of getting angry, Fears took the advice of two guards who started their careers on the bench. Those bonds have helped the rookie deal with everything that comes with being a professional.

“Talking to Dejounte, talking to Jordan Poole. Just asking questions, continuing to learn and they’re giving me some really good advice in the game of basketball, on and off the court,” Fears shared. “So, to be able to take the advice they give me and continue to translate them to the court.”

The most important advice is to stay true to yourself during difficult times. Authenticity and heart are everything at this level. Fear has to direct the flow in some ways, go with it in others, until it finds what works.

“Just keep playing my game. I think that’s huge. They’re telling me to keep playing my game, do what I do to be the point guard on the floor,” Fears explained. “You have to be able to talk, lead your teammates, put them in the right positions and most importantly continue to play my game. And I think listening to them and listening to the advice they’re giving me, I’m doing that every game. I think it’s working for me.”

The Pelicans have won three of their last five, but with the Western Conference playoff picture out of reach, the focus remains on development. Regardless of the final record, Fierce finally looks ready to run the show. Until then, winning a sixth Man of the Month award should be a goal. Borrego understands this well. Showing his ability to come off the bench while leaning on vets or yelling at them will be a major storyline in the final weeks of the season.

The Denver Nuggets are on a two-game losing streak following losses to the Thunder and Timberwolves, but Jamal Murray is not discouraged. The team has been troubled by injuries to several key players, including Nikola Jokic, who was sidelined for 16 games with a left knee strain before returning. Nevertheless, the Nuggets found a way to remain among the top six teams in the Western Conference. But in February he had to face a lot of difficulties.

The Nuggets finished the month at 4–8, and despite picking up a big win over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday evening, their losses to both Western Conference finalists did not lift the spirits. But Murray believes the team will fully realize its true promise when Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson return.

“Obviously it’s disappointing. It’s unnatural, but that’s OK. Once we get healthy and figure it out … we’ll be good. I’m excited for what’s in store for us,” Murray said, per comments obtained by ClutchPoints Nuggets reporter Rachel Strand.

The absence of a key starter in Watson and a reliable role player in Gordon has diminished the championship-level depth the Nuggets often enjoy. Gordon has been ruled out of the last 16 games after a promising start to the season. Meanwhile, Watson is out of the last nine matches. Following the team’s matchup with the Jazz on Monday evening, they took a short break before beginning a tough stretch facing playoff teams in both the East and West.

The schedule in early March will be the biggest test for the Nuggets, and getting back healthy will certainly help them weather the upcoming storm of competition.

The Denver Nuggets will travel to Paycom Center on Friday to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, and come into the game with a win over the Boston Celtics. The Thunder lost to Cade Cunningham’s Detroit Pistons last time out, but are counting on the return of powerhouse Shai Gilgeous-Alexander himself.

The same can’t entirely be said for Jamal Murray, who is listed as questionable on the official injury report. Murray is dealing with a serious illness that forced him out of Wednesday’s win over the Boston Celtics.

And while the Nuggets are short on personnel, the same is true for the defending champions. Despite SGA being removed from the injured list, Jalen Williams, Thomas Sorber, Brandon Carlson and Ajay Mitchell are out.

*Watch NBA Games Live with fuboTV (Free Trial)*

Jamal Murray’s injury status vs. Thunder

The Nuggets will hope that Murray can fight the disease. Murray lasted just eight minutes and scored two points, before being shut down completely for the evening.

After the win, Nuggets head coach David Edelman painted a grim picture of his point guard’s health, revealing that the team medical staff had aggressively treated the illness before the game, but to no avail. Edelman said, “He looked terrible. They gave him all the medications. It didn’t help. All kinds of physical things were happening.”

Murray averaged 25.1 points, 7.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game, while shooting a highly efficient 48.3% from the field and 42.1% from 3-point range. Plus, the nuggets are already spread thin.

They will be without Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson, both of whom are out with right hamstring strains, and join players like Tamar Bates and Curtis Jones. Meanwhile, Spencer Jones and Jalen Pickett are listed as questionable, while Julian Strother is likely to play despite a sprained toe.

nuggets injury report

Jamal Murray: Questionable (illness)

Spencer Jones: Questionable (right shoulder strain)

Jalen Pickett: Questionable (right knee soreness)

Julian Strother: Probable (left big toe sprain)

Aaron Gordon: Out (right hamstring strain)

Peyton Watson: Out (right hamstring strain)

Tamar Bates: Out (left foot surgery)

Curtis Jones: Out (G League – Two-Way)

thunderbolt injury report

Thomas Sorber: Out (right ACL surgical recovery)

Ajay Mitchell: Out (abdominal strain/left ankle sprain)

Jalen Williams: Out (right hamstring strain)

Brandon Carlson: Out (low back strain)

The 2025-26 season remains as unfavorable as ever on the injury front for the Denver Nuggets. Most of their key men have missed significant time due to injuries, and on Wednesday night, it was Jamal Murray’s turn to suffer an illness as he was forced out of the contest against the Boston Celtics early.

The good news is that the Nuggets still took care of business against the Celtics at home, earning a 103-84 win over one of the hottest teams in the association, and the team has proven time and again that they can handle the absence of their key players.

But it seems like Murray should never have suited up for the Nuggets on opening night. After the game, head coach David Edelman revealed that Murray had been heavily medicated beforehand to try to get him healthy enough to play, but he couldn’t move forward easily For the entire game.

“He looked terrible. They gave him all the medications. It didn’t help. All kinds of physical things were happening,” Edelman said, via Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette.

Jamal Murray could be in line for a few days’ rest with the Nuggets

Murray deserves credit for trying to carry on and play despite the illness. But the Nuggets need to prioritize the long game.

The battle for position in the West is as heated as ever, but there’s no reason to risk life and limb in a regular season game.

Murray scored only two points in eight minutes of play, before exiting the game due to illness. The Nuggets have a day off before facing the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road, though it remains to be seen whether Murray will be healthy enough by then.

The Denver Nuggets host the Boston Celtics at Ball Arena in Denver on Wednesday night for a dominant showdown. However, Denver received some worrying news in the first half, when star point guard Jamal Murray left the game due to illness.

“Jamal Murray is questionable to return with illness,” Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reported via a social media post on Twitter from the former star.

Before exiting the game, the former Kentucky Wildcats star point guard had two points on 1-for-3 shooting from the field and an assist in just eight minutes of action.

This story is being updated.

The Sacramento Kings entered the season fresh on Wednesday, ending a 16-game losing streak in the NBA. Now they’ve seen Keegan Murray exit the Houston Rockets game with a possible foot ailment.

Murray suffered an NBA injury with about 3:25 left to play in the first quarter at Toyota Center.

Keegan Murray headed to the Kings locker room after getting into the game awkwardly.

Hope he is okpic.twitter.com/KQi9RSYPNe

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 26 February 2026

Murray averages 14.5 points per game for Doug Christie and Sacramento. But now he has been officially ruled out due to a left ankle injury.

UPDATE: The Kings announced that Keegan Murray (left ankle) is out for the remainder of tonight’s game against the Rockets. https://t.co/9qeVZ3CuYW

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 26 February 2026

He was satisfied with only three points in a span of nine minutes. Murray grabbed a rebound and blocked a shot on the defensive side.

Kings are trending towards landing the top pick of the NBA draft

Murray has emerged as one of the better performers in a lost season in Sacramento.

Despite this, the Kings are on their way to achieving another feat: capturing the No. 1 spot in the NBA Draft.

ClutchPoints’ Eric Slater reveals where the Kings stand in the race for the top pick.

The nets lost. The Pelicans won.

Brooklyn is getting more segregation in third place in the lottery standings. pic.twitter.com/Ny0H3aSZ3L

– Eric Slater (@erikslater_) 25 February 2026

Based on current projections, Sacramento remains ahead of the Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets. However, finishing with the league’s worst record does not guarantee the top pick in this scenario.

The Dallas Mavericks benefited from the lottery system last season – earning the top spot despite finishing at 39-43. Cooper Flagg arrived at the move a month later.

Dejounte Murray opened the 2025-26 season with a goal in the New Orleans Pelicans’ 113-109 win over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. He appears to be dedicated to helping his team compete for a possible spot in the play-in tournament at the end of the campaign. He said this in some NSFW post on X while refusing to request a trade from New Orleans.

An account on social media claimed the 29-year-old guard requested a trade from the Pelicans before the deadline. Murray saw the post and claimed it was untrue, shutting down the rumors entirely.

“Let’s clean the air from the f*** at one source,” Murray declared. “I or my agent never requested to be traded out of New Orleans!!! Joe and the entire organization know I was locked in to come back better than ever to help grow this game and build whatever comes next!! It’s about having fun!!”

The nine-year veteran doubled down on his play-in tournament claim, and explained to a sports fan that if the Pelicans play hard in the final stretch of the regular season, they could find themselves competing for a playoff spot.

“Oh!!! Are we a contender? No. Can we finish in the top 6? No. Can we build some momentum by playing together and develop winning habits for the rest of the season? Yes. Can we treat every game like a championship game and win, win, win? Yes. Can we finish last in the play-ins??? Duhhh.”

Dejounte Murray missed most of the season after rupturing his right Achilles tendon in January 2025. In his first game in action, Murray recorded 13 points, two rebounds, three assists and one steal. He also shot 45.4% from the floor and 25.0% from beyond the three-point line.

As the NBA considers expansion ideas, the conversation in Seattle has naturally turned to which players will ultimately wear the green and gold. Although the league has not yet formally approved new franchises, the groundwork is being laid near the Space Needle. When the SuperSonics finally return, they’ll need cornerstone pieces, and a former Rainier Beach High standout is making a compelling case to be at the top of the wish list. Dejounte Murray makes perfect sense as a target and the New Orleans Pelicans may be willing to make a win-win deal.

Murray was very active on social media and cheering on the Seahawks during their Super Bowl run. The Sounders and Mariners have also gotten some love recently. Financially, his contract would be perfect for an expansion team over the next two seasons. If the NBA takes longer to make a decision, City’s connection could lead to an extension of the 29-year-old’s relatively cheap $30 million player option for 2027-28.

When asked about what caught special attention among the starting five introductions in his first game in 13 months, the former All-Star made sure to mention Seattle several times.

“I mean, save me for last. Call me first. It doesn’t matter. I’m in the NBA, you know, a kid from Seattle. So it’s, it’s a blessing,” Murray shared. “I have a lot of emotions, you know what I’m saying? I had my family here. So, yeah, I’m definitely grateful.”

“Man, (coming back from injury rehab) was great. Like I said, you know, I’m a kid from Seattle. I’m in the NBA, and what I’ve been through, like, I’ve been through a lot,” Murray said. “But I have no excuses. I keep my chest out, chin up, keep smiling and I’m just ready to see where it goes from here. I know God has some great things in store for me on and off the field.”

For a Seattle startup that will need to sell tickets, jerseys and hopes of opening day, there’s no better first target than that kid from Rainier Beach who has never stopped visiting his hometown.

After 13 months of Achilles rehabilitation, Dejounte Murray finally made his season debut for the New Orleans Pelicans. However, at a moment when everything could have been about his own comeback, the veteran made sure that the spotlight shifted to the rookie players. Ultimately, Jeremiah Fears and Derrick Queen played big roles in the win over the visiting Golden State Warriors.

Murray played brilliantly (13 points, three assists, two rebounds in 25 minutes), but it was the energy put forth by the first-year players during the decisive third quarter that prompted the All-Stars to sing some postgame praise.

“Yeah, we needed it though. We had some battles in practice. Just got to have games like this where we came out warm, feeling really good to start the game, but then we had to go through some adversity. Thanks for that third quarter. Our young group came through and they won that quarter. They played really well and put us in position to win tonight. At the end of the day, we just have to stick together and do it together.”

The win showed that the Pelicans, who have been battling injuries to James Borrego, have a promising future, even as New Orleans heads into the final stretch of a challenging season. With the playoffs out of reach, minutes have opened up for the rookie class. Thankfully, Jeremiah Fears and Derrick Queen are making the most of the opportunities, both posting All-Rookie worthy numbers across the board.

For a demanding Dejounte Murray-led Pelicans team, the opportunity to mentor a young core is a chance for every veteran to help build something sustainable. As a point guard, this should be a priority. How much have Fears and Queen implemented the 29-year-old’s advice over the past few weeks?

“A lot. Because, like I said, I want to make everybody’s job easier, and it will have an impact on them. But there are guys who already feel that way. You know, you’ve got a guy like Herb Jones who doesn’t ask the coach to draw up a play for him. He’s always aggressive. He sees that no one watches the defense, he’s proactive. Everybody knows him for that,” Murray explained. “But, you know, I think the more we hang out together, have fun and learn to translate each other, it could be really special.”

The Pelicans (15-42) are lottery favorites, but the development of their rookie duo has emerged as a real bright spot. Queen averaged 12.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists; Fears is averaging 13.3 points and 3.1 assists. Murray suggested that his statistics told only part of the story. What impressed him more is how he handled the inevitable ups and downs of an NBA rookie season, especially when the roles changed dramatically.

Murray shared, “We like each other. There’s no egos. There’s no one to yell at.” “You had young guys starting, then they went to the bench. They took it, you know, like they were supposed to take it, and I give them a lot of credit for that. So, it speaks to maturity and what they’re there for. And we’re all here to win and longevity, you know, is important to everybody.”

For a franchise that often looks for stability, Murray looks to be laying the foundation in real time. Joe Dumars ‘executes to perfection’ his plan to earn Dejounte’s trust. It may be difficult to achieve victory this season, but belief in what lies ahead has never been stronger.

Winning cures all ills, or so the cliché goes. However, defeating the Golden State Warriors did not prevent Dejounte Murray from leading the rebuilding New Orleans Pelicans after a disappointing former All-Star season. The 29-year-old was less modest about what James Borrego has been pushing since last August.

Instead, the veteran guard shared a blunt assessment that balances disappointment with perspective.

Murray cursed, “We didn’t have a king rebound. We were terrible. We were terrible. Like, we should have practiced rebounding yesterday.” “Literally, Herb Jones didn’t rebound. You know what I’m saying? When he rebounds, we all rebound.”

Murray finished with three assists and two boards for 13 points in 25 minutes, so there were smiles in the locker room after the game after the quick hit.

Still, he stuck to one particular game while grading the bigger picture after his first game in nearly 13 months.

“We can get better. I think I’d give us a C+ tonight. It’s beautiful to get a C+ and win a basketball game in the NBA against a good team,” Murray allowed. “I don’t care who’s in, who’s out. Steve Kerr coaches his team very well. He has a system, and he’s put the right players in there to be successful.”

The forgiving grades underlined the bigger picture. Even a “terrible” performance can serve as a useful building block.

“I think we probably got like a C or C+,” Murray reiterated. “We could have been more solid. Like, I had a little turnover there. I think I got fouled, but there’s no excuses. We have to be solid. When teams are stuck and trying to come from behind, we have to stay in our spots and be there for each other. I think that’s my job, but also, you know, it’s a collective unit. I’m a point guard, and like I said, I’m here to make everybody better. I’m here to win, so we have to be better overall. After we win, you can move on from things and, you know, correct those errors.”

Seven of the next nine games are on the road, starting with a six-game trip to the Western Conference. At least the first two games of the trip are against the lottery-picked Utah Jazz. It’s the perfect setup for Dejounte Murray’s Pelicans to let off some steam before summer break.

The plan is complete, the wait is over. Everyone around the training facility and family room can breathe a sigh of relief. More than 13 months after rupturing his right Achilles tendon, Dejounte Murray made his long-awaited season debut for the under-the-microscope New Orleans Pelicans, scoring 13 points, dishing out three assists, and grabbing two rebounds in 25 minutes during a 113-109 win over the Golden State Warriors.

For Murray, getting back on the floor was more than just physical rehabilitation. It was about maintaining a relationship with an organization that made him a priority during the darkest days of recovery.

“Absolutely. You know, for me it was just taking care of myself mentally,” Murray began. “Mainly with my body, I wanted to be in condition to play. Tell my team that I helped in L.A. The Pelicans were doing well, connected, and coming in. They came by probably seven times to check on me and make sure everything was going well. And at the end of the day, Joe Dumars and I talk a lot. And the plan, you know, we made, we executed to perfection. You know, that’s why That Dejounte was able to play today.”

The frequent travel from New Orleans to Los Angeles represents a significant change for a franchise that Murray had publicly criticized just months earlier for failing to provide adequate support during his first injury-plagued season with the team. The relationship began to improve when Dumars took over as head of basketball operations after the previous season.

The new front office began direct conversations with Murray about his concerns and implemented changes based on the guard’s feedback.

“He did very well and it’s all down to the doctors,” Murray explained. “The staff has been great. They came in with our medical staff. On the communication parts, everything, we’ve been communicating since this morning leading up to the game. So, like I said, the win matters. Grateful for that. We got the win and we’re ready to move on from this.”

Murray’s conditioning appeared to be intact in his first game action of the season, even if his shot was not perfect. He wasn’t bothered by the box score, instead pointing to how his body was on the night as the real measure of success.

“The buckets are coming,” shrugged Murray. “I felt like I was active. I felt good doing lateral movements, running up and down. You know, my condition was good. So, it’s just a credit to my hard work and dedication.”

New Orleans came away with the win in Murray’s debut, and the 29-year-old made it clear that the result matters most as Borrego’s rebuilding Pelicans try to build momentum in the offseason. The former All-Star, who averaged 21.1 points, 9.2 assists and 8.3 rebounds during his 2022 All-Star season with the San Antonio Spurs, now has less than two dozen games to demonstrate that he can still be an elite choice to lead a new era of Bayou basketball.

新奥尔良鹈鹕队经历了一个艰难的赛季，在积分榜上继续下滑，但他们一直期待后卫德章泰·穆雷的回归。

2025年1月31日，德章泰·穆雷在鹈鹕队对阵波士顿凯尔特人队的比赛中遭遇右跟腱撕裂。穆雷只打了八分零九秒就因伤倒下。

在因跟腱撕裂缺席 13 个月后，这位鹈鹕后卫在努力回归后，于周二晚上在冰沙国王中心迎战金州勇士队，完成了自己的赛季首秀并伤愈复出。

为了表达极大的敬意，鹈鹕队重组了首发阵容，最后提到德章泰·穆雷，观众为他欢呼。

https://x.com/RodWalkerNola/status/2026465486892834952

比赛第一场比赛，中锋德安德烈-乔丹发现穆雷从左侧底角切入，弹跳传球。穆雷完成了一次杂技般的反向上篮，这是他受伤后的第一个篮筐。

德章泰·穆雷 (Dejounte Murray) 切开后门，收获回归后的第一个进球 😤

这是他自2025年1月31日以来的第一场比赛！

pic.twitter.com/51kXHZ6nBM

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 2026 年 2 月 25 日

德章泰·穆雷在他的第一次上场比赛中打了五分钟，然后在鹈鹕队球迷的热烈鼓掌下离开了比赛。穆雷全场3投2中拿下4分。

穆雷在过去几周一直在进步，但在跟腱手术六个月后，他的运动能力似乎就恢复了一些。这位鹈鹕后卫实际上在康复六个月后发布了一段视频，视频中他相对轻松地完成了反向扣篮。

6 个月了，这感觉很轻松！ 😁 我很快就能和你们见面了！！！ 😤😈 #DM5🖤 pic.twitter.com/PuThC0u386

— 德章泰·穆雷 (@DejounteMurray) 2025 年 8 月 20 日

自2020赛季成为全职首发以来，德章泰·穆雷场均贡献18.3分、6.3个篮板、6.4次助攻和1.7次抢断，投篮命中率为45.5%。如果穆雷能够迅速恢复状态，这可能会成为鹈鹕队重建过程中一个有趣的部分，或者对于一支缺少运动能力全能后卫的球队来说是一个很好的交易。

Memphis Grizzlies franchise star Ja Morant has always worn his heart on his sleeve since his days as a high-flyer for the Murray State basketball program. Morant took the country by storm with his generational talent and has been entertaining NBA fans since being drafted second overall in 2019. As was the case with his previous releases, Morant recently shared his Murray State Nike Ja 3 signature shoes.

Check out our sneakers news for more upcoming releases and breaking content!

Ja Morant paved quite the way for himself at Murray State, and became the program’s all-time leader in single-season assists (331), single-season points (808), and career assists. In 2018–2019, Morant became the first player in NCAA men’s basketball history to average 20+ points and 10+ assists per game.

After linking up with Nike and releasing his first signature sneakers shortly thereafter, the Nike Ja 3 stands out as Morant’s most unique creation to date. The stunning silhouette is uniquely linked to his electric play on the court and this upcoming “Murray State” colorway serves as a constant reminder of where Morant became a household name.

Nike J3 “Murray State”

Official Retailer Images: Nike Jaa 3 “Murray State” 🐻
📆 5th March
👪 Adult + GS Size
💰 $125 / $102

Take a closer look: https://t.co/ItnM2TTeDT pic.twitter.com/0TmPf5px5I

– Sneaker News (@SneakerNews) 23 February 2026

Ja Morant rocks the Nike Ja 3 “Murray State” pic.twitter.com/t81kCkTyLe

– Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) 22 January 2026

Morant released previous “Murray State” versions of his Nike Ja 1 and Ja 2 sneakers over the past two years, all of which were a uniform white/blue/yellow colorway to match the Racers’ school colors. Sporting a “Claw” design throughout the Nike Ja 3, the left shoe will feature alternating scratch marks with a yellow-to-blue gradient, while the right shoe of both shoes will feature a blue-to-yellow gradient for a mismatched look.

Based on the ZoomX outsole, the shoe will feature a White base on the upper, tongue and sockliner. We see Electric Blue/Yellow Nike Swooshes on the lateral side of both shoes, framed by a metallic JA logo on the tongue. Overall, this is definitely the most unique “Murray State” colorway we’ve seen from the signature line yet.

The Nike J3 “Murray State” will release on March 5th, 2025 for a standard retail tag of $125. The shoes will come in full family sizes with adjusted pricing and are expected to be available on Nike SNKRS release day. Usually available in ample stock, be sure to also check your local Nike retailers to see if they are stocking pairs.

What are your thoughts on Morant’s latest Nike Ja 3 creation?

On Tuesday evening, the New Orleans Pelicans will play at home against the Golden State Warriors. For the first time in more than a year, Dejounte Murray will be in the lineup for the Pelicans as he takes the field for the first time since tearing his Achilles last season, his first in New Orleans. Here’s everything we know about Murray’s injury and his playing status against the Warriors.

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Dejounte Murray’s playing status against the Warriors on Tuesday

It will certainly be a sight for sore eyes when Dejounte Murray takes the field against Golden State on Tuesday. It’s unclear at this point whether or not head coach James Borrego plans to make the point guard the starting point guard, but regardless, he’s sure to get a big reception from the fans at the Smoothie King Center whenever he steps on the field.

Meanwhile, Trey Murphy III will be out for the Pelicans with a right shoulder injury, while Yves Messi is also out with a left calf strain.

For the Warriors, Stephen Curry will be out of the lineup as he deals with a knee injury, while new trade acquisition Kristaps Porzingis is also out due to illness. Draymond Green and De’Anthony Melton both have questionable play.

Murray was acquired by the Pelicans in the summer of 2024 from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for a package centered on Dyson Daniels, who won the Most Improved Player of the Year award in his first season in Atlanta.

Murray’s tenure with New Orleans was a bit of a mixed bag before tearing his Achilles last year, but he will certainly provide a steady balance of playmaking and shot creation to a Pelicans team that desperately needs both.

The Pelicans and Warriors are expected to tip off at 8:00 pm ET.

The New Orleans Pelicans have been very healthy the past few weeks, and they could be getting some more reinforcements soon. Dejounte Murray, who has not played since last year due to his Achilles injury, could return in the Pelicans’ next game, according to Will Guillory of The Athletic.

“Dejounte Murray says he believes tomorrow will be his first game back from his Achilles injury,” Guillory, formerly of the X, wrote on Twitter.

Murray continues to improve, and will now bring some much needed guard help to the roster. Jordan Poole was inserted back into the rotation just two games ago after multiple DNPs, and rookie Jeremiah Fears has taken over the majority of the minutes as he has been the starter for most of the season.

The Pelicans will likely bring Murray back slowly, but it wouldn’t be surprising if, at some point during the second half of the season, he ends up in the starting lineup. With no first-round pick for next season, the Pelicans have no reason to tank, so they will try to win as many games as possible. They have talent, but they haven’t been able to get it together this season, which is why they finish bottom of the Western Conference.

It’s been a good run of games for Zion Williamson, and it might be the healthiest he’s had in a long time. Unfortunately, Trey Murphy III has missed the last few games due to injury, but head coach James Borrego is optimistic he won’t be out long.

If the Pelicans can get a stretch of games where everyone is healthy, it will be interesting to see how many wins they can rack up before the end of the season.

The Denver Nuggets visit the Golden State Warriors on Sunday afternoon looking to build on the massive 157-point performance they scored against the Portland Trail Blazers last time out. However, while they have plenty of absent players to deal with, the Nuggets will be up against a team that is missing its best players.

According to the official injury report, Jamal Murray is on the injury report along with several Nuggets rotation players, with the star guard initially listed as questionable due to a hamstring issue. Murray has since been upgraded to available, but Denver will be without standouts Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson.

However, the Golden State Warriors have bigger concerns of their own, with Stephen Curry confirmed to be out along with Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porzingis.

Jamal Murray’s injury status vs. Warriors

Murray was listed as doubtful until just before tip-off, so his status will be monitored. The first-time All-Stars played on both ends of a back-to-back coming out of the recent All-Star break.

Murray is averaging 25.7 points, 7.6 assists and 4.5 rebounds, while posting an elite 61.5 true shooting percentage. His importance has increased even more without Nikola Jokic, with Murray upping his production to 27.8 points and 8.3 assists in 12 games.

Denver enters the game at 36-21 and the No. 3 seed with a strong road record of 21-10, while Golden State is 29-27 and struggling without Stephen Curry.

nuggets injury report

Jamal Murray: Available (hamstring)

Aaron Gordon: Out (hamstring)

Peyton Watson: Out (hamstring)

Jalen Pickett: Out (knee soreness)

Tamar Bates: Out (foot surgery)

warriors injury report

Stephen Curry: Out (right kneecap injury/patella-femoral pain syndrome)

Jimmy Butler III: Out (ACL tear – season-ending)

Seth Curry: Out (injury management)

Nate Williams: Out (injury)

Malevi Lyons: Out (injury)

LJ Cryer: Out (injury)

Kristaps Porzingis: out (illness)

The Denver Nuggets visit the Golden State Warriors on Sunday afternoon looking to build on the massive 157-point performance they scored against the Portland Trail Blazers last time out. However, while they have plenty of absent players to deal with, the Nuggets will be up against a team that is missing its best players.

According to the official injury report, Jamal Murray is on the injury report along with several Nuggets rotation players, while the star guard is listed as questionable due to a hamstring issue. Denver is also monitoring injuries to Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson.

However, the Golden State Warriors have bigger concerns of their own, with Stephen Curry confirmed out, Jimmy Butler with Kristaps Porzingis also added to the injury list.

Jamal Murray’s injury status vs. Warriors

Given that Jamal Murray is questionable on the injury report, his availability will likely be determined closer to tip-off. Of course, given that he is having the best season of his career, he will likely be a big absence.

Murray is averaging 25.7 points, 7.6 assists and 4.5 rebounds, while posting an elite 61.5 true shooting percentage. His importance has increased even more without Nikola Jokic, with Murray upping his production to 27.8 points and 8.3 assists in 12 games.

Denver enters the game with a strong 21-10 road record as the No. 3 seed at 36-21, while Golden State is 29-27 and struggling without Stephen Curry. Despite this, the game promises to be close with both teams missing key players, especially Golden State.

nuggets injury report

Jamal Murray: Questionable (hamstring)

Aaron Gordon: Out (hamstring)

Peyton Watson: Out (hamstring)

Kyrie Irving: Out (knee surgery)

Derek Lively II: Out (foot surgery)

warriors injury report

Stephen Curry: Out (right kneecap injury/patella-femoral pain syndrome)

Jimmy Butler III: Out (ACL tear – season-ending)

Seth Curry: Out (injury management)

Nate Williams: Out (injury)

Malevi Lyons: Out (injury)

LJ Cryer: Out (injury)

Kristaps Porzingis: Probable (returning from injury/workload management)

The Sacramento Kings have entered historically difficult territory with a 15-game losing streak that not only represents the longest losing streak in franchise history, but also underscores the decline of a team that just two years ago looked poised for sustained Western Conference relevance. Sacramento’s 131–94 loss to the Orlando Magic pushed the team to 12–45, the worst record in the NBA, and extended its winless streak to January 16.

Keegan Murray, who returned after missing six weeks due to an ankle injury against the Magic, was at a loss for words after the game.

“It’s hard. Honestly, I don’t really have the words to explain it. I don’t know if anyone has the words to explain what’s happened over the last three or four years, but obviously we have to change something because it obviously can’t happen. Not many teams in NBA history have had 15 consecutive losing seasons,” he said, according to The Sacramento Bee.

The Kings were competitive against Orlando from the beginning and led 28–18. However, the Magic responded with typical efficiency, shooting 16-of-21 (76.2%) in the second quarter and making a franchise-record 27 three-pointers.

The losing streak comes with a real injury crisis. Domantas Sabonis (meniscus surgery) and Zach LaVine (hand surgery) are out for the season, removing Sacramento’s primary interior facilitator and leading scorer from the rotation.

In particular, the absence of Sabonis, who averaged 19.2 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists, has hurt Sacramento’s offensive structure, which has been exacerbated by LaVine’s absence. Despite this, Murray’s return has given them a ray of hope.

He scored 15 points and eight rebounds on 6-of-13 shooting (3-of-7 from three) against the Magic and will only be expected to continue to grow from here. Despite this, there is no doubt that the Kings now have a mountain to climb to save themselves this season.

They will now face the San Antonio Spurs, which begins a five-game road trip.

With the tank in full swing in Sacramento, the Kings are seeing two members of their veteran core, former All-Stars Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine, undergo season-ending surgery to repair their respective knee and finger injuries. With Sabonis and LaVine gone, the Kings are certainly going to establish themselves as the worst team in the NBA, which they are currently on with their poor 12-44 record.

It may be terrible in Sacramento currently, but it’s not all doom and gloom, as the Kings have at least a few young players on the roster who have shown glimpses of being members of the next great iteration of the team, the most prominent being Keegan Murray.

Murray was performing well at the start of the season, but his progress to becoming a main player for the Kings has been halted due to injuries. However, with the Sacramento Giants’ improved condition, Murray now has a bigger opportunity upon his return from injury.

“I think it’s a big opportunity for me to grow as a player. I mean, with DeMar [DeRozan] These past few years, [De’Aaron] The Fox guys love it, I’m not able to take those big shots and things like that and in those moments,” Murray said, per Brendan Nunes of Sactown Sports.

“Just being able to step up in those moments and be able to create and take shots that win or lose games. I think that’s something I really haven’t done in my career so far.”

Keegan Murray will be the main man for the Kings

Murray hasn’t really had the opportunity to be the number one option for the Kings yet. However, he doesn’t have that opportunity yet, as DeMar DeRozan is still on the roster and he has been very durable for his entire career.

But the Kings, being in tank mode, should hand the keys to Murray and the rest of the team’s youngsters, including Nick Clifford, Devin Carter and Maxime Renaud, so they can at least get an idea of ​​the talent they have.

丹佛掘金隊通常只有一名全明星球員，那就是尼古拉·約基奇。他再次入選球隊，但掘金隊將派遣另一名球員前往 Intuit Dome。賈馬爾·穆雷一直在等待成為全明星的機會，他終於有機會代表他的球隊以及世界隊參加週末慶祝活動。

儘管穆雷對成為全明星感到高興，但他並不喜歡比賽的方式，尤其是在過去的幾年裡。這是一個被一次又一次提起的話題，並且在形式上也進行了一些改變，以使其更具競爭力，但沒有效果。穆雷最近談到了比賽中缺乏喧鬧的情況，但他計劃在上場後改變這種說法。

“我真的對全明星失去了興趣，只是看著他們在場上所做的一切。如果這就是我們要打的籃球，我寧願去度假……我想打（努力），”穆雷說。

穆雷計劃在全明星賽中努力打球：

“我真的對全明星失去了興趣，只是看著他們在場上所做的一切。如果這就是我們要打的籃球，我寧願去度假……我想打（努力）。

完整答案👇 pic.twitter.com/nU64KuPvcy

— DNVR 掘金隊 (@DNVR_Nuggets) 2026 年 2 月 2 日

看看新的美國隊對陣世界隊是否會讓事情變得更好將會很有趣，但唯一能改善比賽的是球員們是否真正競爭。

除了缺乏喧囂之外，穆雷還談到了成為全明星對他來說意味著什麼，這似乎不僅對他來說是一項巨大的成就，對他的家人也是如此。

“老實說，我真的為我的父親感到高興。他真的希望我能夠成功，”穆雷說。

賈馬爾·穆雷 (Jamal Murray) 談到入選全明星賽並希望成為 NBA 最佳陣容：

“老實說，我真的為我的父親感到高興。他真的希望我能夠成功。”

“我想成為 NBA 最佳陣容。我覺得這是一個更大的獎項……你的表現在季后賽中一整年都在展現……”

完整答案： pic.twitter.com/UyEn8wsPOK

— DNVR 掘金隊 (@DNVR_Nuggets) 2026 年 2 月 2 日

現在穆雷已經獲得了他的第一個全明星，他希望能夠取得另一項將他整個賽季考慮在內的成就。

“我想成為NBA最佳陣容。我覺得這是一個更大的獎項……你的表現在整個季后賽中都會展現出來，”穆雷說。