Michael Malone on Jamal Murray not playing: “It’s really driving him crazy”

The Denver Nuggets are in desperation mode down 2-0 to the Golden State Warriors in their first-round playoff series.

Both defeats in San Francisco were extremely hard to watch. From multiple technical fouls and ejections, to an ugly spat between DeMarcus Cousin and Will Barton, things have not gone well to say the least.

Add in the fact it’s been more than a year since Jamal Murray has played after tearing his ACL and the Nuggets can’t seem to catch a break. There’s been plenty of talk about why Murray isn’t out there, including a tweet from a frustrated Murray himself after Game 2.

Y’all don’t think I wanna be out there huh.. crazy

— Jamal Murray (@BeMore27) April 19, 2022

At practice on Wednesday, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone was asked how Murray feels about not being on the court.

“It’s killing him. Once again, you go back to the 19 playoff games in the bubble, his last playoff experience, he averaged 27 points a game. He did so shooting 50 (percent) from the field and damn near 50 (percent) from three. So, yeah, it’s killing him not to be able to go out there and help us,” Malone said.

The Nuggets haven’t had an answer for a Warriors team that looks poised to win another championship — and Malone said Murray obviously would have helped.

“You look at their team, they have a three-headed monster in Poole, Curry and Klay. Right now, Jamal would be a welcomed addition with his playoff experience and also how well he plays in the playoffs. So, he mentioned to me it’s really driving him crazy that he’s not able to go out there and help his teammates out,” Malone said.

The Nuggets head coach had plenty to say about the Game 3 matchup, including his answer about Murray. You can find those videos below.

Malone was asked if Jamal Murray had said anything about not playing with this team ⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/lFmbArivWO

— Denver's Sports Station 104.3 The Fan (@1043TheFan) April 20, 2022

Malone was asked if there was any thought to changing the starting lineup for Game 3 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/vrxCpJBcrH

— Denver's Sports Station 104.3 The Fan (@1043TheFan) April 20, 2022

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