Why GM Calvin Booth believes that Jamal Murray of the Nuggets “wore down” against the Timberwolves.
Dynasties are more common in basketball than in many other major sports, making it easy to overlook the challenge of maintaining excellence in the NBA. The Denver Nuggets displayed signs of vulnerability throughout the 2023-24 season and the first round of the playoffs but were still seen as the team to beat in the West. Ultimately, they couldn’t recapture their championship form.
Jamal Murray’s inconsistent play was a significant factor in the Nuggets’ elimination by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite his strong performance in the 98-90 Game 7 loss (35 points on 13-of-27 shooting), he struggled during several crucial moments in the series. Denver needed more from Murray to keep their hopes of a back-to-back title alive. Injuries likely contributed to his inconsistency, as he dealt with a calf strain and elbow issue during the playoffs.
As the offseason begins, the Nuggets’ front office is reflecting on what they could have done to preserve their star point guard’s health. Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth expressed concern over Murray’s inconsistent season, marked by various soft tissue injuries. Booth emphasized the need to study past examples of how great players have managed their health after winning a championship.
Booth believes it’s crucial to investigate how high-usage guards typically fare after long playoff runs. Murray’s case is unique, considering he missed 18 months due to a torn ACL in 2021. Although he regained his postseason form, it may have taken a toll on him.
The Timberwolves’ tenacity in Game 7 shouldn’t be overlooked, but the Western Conference Semifinals might have been different if Murray were at full strength. Booth suggested that a fully conditioned Murray would have performed differently, especially against Anthony Edwards, one of the NBA’s best on-ball defenders. Murray’s condition at the end of the playoffs was impacted by his continuous play since last June and his prior injuries.
Moving forward, the Nuggets could consider managing Murray’s workload similarly to how the Miami Heat handle Jimmy Butler. This strategy involves limiting his playing time during the regular season to keep him fresh for the playoffs. However, this approach doesn’t always yield the desired results, as seen with Kawhi Leonard’s experience with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Murray played only 59 games in the past regular season but still faced issues towards the end. Despite this, he had his best statistical season, averaging 21.2 points on 48.1 percent shooting from the field and 42.5 percent from three-point range, along with 6.5 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game.
The Nuggets may not need a drastic plan for managing Murray’s health. Allowing Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. to shoulder more of the offensive load while Murray picks his spots could be effective. Although it might be tough for a competitor like Murray to take a step back occasionally, he is accustomed to being out of the spotlight.
Murray is still aiming for his first All-Star selection and prioritizes the team’s success over individual accolades. Managing his health might not be an immediate concern, and falling short this year could lead to a rejuvenated Murray and Nuggets team in 2025. The organization and its fans should view this positively. Tweaking the roster around the core could also be beneficial. Regardless of the path they choose, the Nuggets need to make the most of an unexpectedly long offseason.
