Jamal Murray’s Mysterious Illness Won’t Sideline Him—What This Means for Thunder-Nuggets Game 6 Thriller

Denver’s own Jamal Murray just cleared the fog of uncertainty — despite battling an illness that had everyone biting their nails, he’s set to hit the hardwood Thursday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now, the Nuggets had tagged him as questionable earlier in the day; Coach David Adelman teased pregame that Murray’s status would be a last-minute suspense thriller, “sick and questionable up to the tip,” as he put it with a half-smile and a nod to the movie Outbreak. Sure enough, moments before the game tipped off, Denver gave the go-ahead, keeping their star guard in the mix. This was a curveball nobody saw coming — especially with the Nuggets teetering on the edge of elimination in this Western Conference semifinals tussle. The Thunder, stoked by their comeback in Game 5, now lead the series 3-2 and are primed to wrap it up. Murray’s presence isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a desperate lifeline for a Nuggets squad fighting depth issues against a Thunder unit boasting a deep, versatile rotation. Murray’s slashing through defenses with a playoff stat line packed with a cool 22-plus points, five assists, rebounds, steals — you name it — and logging more minutes than anyone else on the court. If there’s ever been a moment for him to dial it up, well… it’s now. LEARN MORE.

News of Murray’s illness arrived as a late surprise for a Nuggets team on the brink of elimination in the second round of the Western Conference semifinals. The Thunder took a 3-2 lead with a come-from-behind win in Game 5 on Tuesday and can close out the series with a win Thursday night.AdvertisementThe Nuggets listed Murray as questionable Thursday afternoon, and head coach David Adelman said pregame he would remain questionable until tip.

The Nuggets listed Murray as questionable Thursday afternoon, and head coach David Adelman said pregame he would remain questionable until tip.

AdvertisementDENVER — Nuggets guard Jamal Murray has been cleared for Thursday’s playoff game against the Oklahoma City Thunder despite an illness.