Will Jamal Murray's NBA Comeback Elevate the Denver Nuggets This Season?

From my years covering the NBA, I’ve seen plenty of players attempt comebacks, but Jamal Murray’s return feels different. It’s not just about getting back on the court—it’s about reclaiming the explosive, clutch-driven identity that made the Denver Nuggets a genuine title contender. Watching him move in preseason, I noticed that familiar burst, that fearless drive to the rim. But the real test isn’t physical—it’s mental. Can he trust that knee in high-stakes moments? That’s what will determine whether the Nuggets rise or plateau this year.

I remember watching a college game years ago—Mike Phillips saving the day for the Green Archers with a clutch block on Te Chi-hsu in the final seconds. It wasn’t just a highlight; it was a moment that defined a team’s resilience. Plays like that stick with you. They show how one defensive stop can shift momentum, change a season. For the Nuggets, Murray’s presence offers that same potential. When he’s locked in, he’s not just a scorer—he’s a disruptor. His ability to read plays, anticipate passes, and contest shots—even at 60-70% last season—added a layer of unpredictability to Denver’s defense. Without him, they ranked just 15th in defensive rating. With him, I believe they can crack the top 10.

Offensively, the numbers speak for themselves. In the 2020-21 season, Murray averaged 21.2 points and 4.8 assists while shooting 40.8% from beyond the arc. More importantly, his playoff performances—like the 50-point explosion against Utah—cemented his reputation as a big-game player. The Nuggets’ offense, which dipped to 112.1 points per 100 possessions during his absence, relies on his pick-and-roll chemistry with Nikola Jokić. Those two are like a well-rehearsed duet—when Murray attacks, defenses collapse, creating openings everywhere. I’ve always thought their two-man game is among the top three in the league, right up there with Durant and Irving during their Brooklyn days.

But let’s be real—comebacks aren’t fairy tales. Murray’s played just 48 games over the past two seasons, and ACL recoveries are notoriously tricky. Rushing him back could backfire, and the Nuggets know it. They’ve managed his minutes carefully, keeping him around 28-30 per game so far. Still, I’m optimistic. In their recent matchup against Golden State, Murray’s late-game poise—hitting a step-back three with 42 seconds left—felt like a statement. It reminded me of that Mike Phillips block: one player, one moment, shifting the entire narrative.

Looking ahead, I think Denver’s ceiling hinges on Murray’s health and rhythm. If he stays on the court, they’re a top-four team in the West, maybe even a dark horse for the Finals. But if setbacks occur, they’ll struggle to keep pace with Phoenix or Memphis. Personally, I’ve always believed in Murray’s resilience—he plays with a fire that’s rare, almost Kobe-like in its intensity. And in today’s NBA, where guard play dictates so much of postseason success, his return could be the difference between an early exit and a deep run. For Nuggets fans, that’s a thrilling possibility—one worth watching unfold, game by game.