The Denver Nuggets suffered a heavy 143–103 defeat to the New York Knicks on Friday night after star guard Jamal Murray exited the game with a left ankle injury just before half-time.
The incident occurred late in the second quarter at Ball Arena in Denver when Murray collided with OG Anunoby during a drive to the basket and landed awkwardly on the foot of teammate Nikola Jokić.
The All-Star guard immediately fell to the floor, clutching his ankle and required assistance to reach the locker room with 1:05 remaining in the half.
Denver confirmed Murray did not return to the game, and there was no immediate update on the severity of the injury after the final whistle.
What exactly happened during the Jamal Murray injury in Nuggets vs Knicks?
The injury unfolded during a fast-paced offensive play by New York late in the second quarter.
Anunoby drove aggressively into the lane as Murray attempted to defend the play. As contact occurred, Murray stepped backwards and accidentally landed on Jokić’s right foot, causing his ankle to twist.
Cara, a temporada do Nuggets está precisando de um DESCARREGO.
Jamal Murray lesionou o tornozelo após esse lance, saiu carregado pelos companheiros.
Nada bom. pic.twitter.com/cwE1h1sztc
— Pisou Na Linha | NBA 🏀🇧🇷 (@pisounalinha) March 7, 2026
Witnesses inside the arena reported Murray remained on the floor for several moments while medical staff assessed the situation. Teammate Jonas Valančiūnas helped the guard towards the tunnel as he limped off visibly in pain.
The stoppage briefly delayed the match as officials reviewed the on-court decision.
Why did referees overturn the foul call after the injury?
During the pause following Murray’s fall, Knicks head coach Mike Brown challenged the original ruling made by referees.
Officials initially called a charging foul on Anunoby. However, after reviewing the replay, they reversed the decision and ruled that Murray had committed a blocking foul.
As a result:
- Anunoby was awarded two free throws
- He successfully converted both attempts
- The Knicks extended their lead to 65–42 at halftime
The decision added to Denver’s difficulties as the team lost both its starting guard and momentum in the closing moments of the half.
How important is Jamal Murray to the Denver Nuggets?
Murray remains one of the most influential players in Denver’s offensive system, particularly through his partnership with Jokić.
Key facts about Murray’s career and current season include:
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| NBA seasons | 9 |
| First All-Star selection | 2026 |
| Position | Point guard |
| Role in Denver | Primary scorer and playmaker |
This season marked Murray’s first career All-Star appearance, highlighting his growing influence within the league. His ability to create shots, run the offence and stretch opposing defences has been central to Denver’s recent success.
If medical tests reveal a significant injury, the Nuggets could face serious challenges maintaining their position in the Western Conference standings.
Why was this game particularly significant for Denver’s lineup?
Friday’s matchup was supposed to mark a positive moment for the Nuggets.
For the first time since 12 November, Denver fielded its original starting lineup, following the return of two key players:
- Aaron Gordon – back after an extended absence with a hamstring injury
- Cam Johnson – returning from a sprained right ankle
The team had hoped the restored lineup would stabilise its performance. Instead, Murray’s injury quickly disrupted those plans.
How did the Knicks dominate the Nuggets in this game?
Even before Murray’s exit, the Knicks had begun to control the tempo of the game.
After the injury, New York increased its offensive pressure and maintained a fast pace that Denver struggled to match. The Knicks built a commanding advantage before halftime and continued to extend the margin throughout the second half.
Final score
| Team | Points |
|---|---|
| New York Knicks | 143 |
| Denver Nuggets | 103 |
A 40-point victory underlined the Knicks’ strong offensive performance and defensive discipline, while Denver struggled to regroup after losing one of its key playmakers.
