Nuggets’ Jamal Murray in Concussion Protocol After Collision with Wolves’ Julius Randle

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray was placed in the NBA’s concussion protocol after exiting Friday’s 119-116 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves during the third quarter.

Minnesota Timberwolves’ Julius Randle inadvertently banged his shoulder into the nose of Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray

Murray was cutting through the lane with Anthony Edwards guarding him, when Julius Randle backed up to pursue Aaron Gordon and inadvertently banged his shoulder into Murray’s nose.

Murray’s head jerked back into Edwards from the impact, and he winced in pain while the play continued before subbing out four possessions later during a timeout. The eight-year veteran headed to the locker room for further examination.

Here's the play where Jamal Murray was hurt, as @JonKrawczynski noted he is in concussion protocol pic.twitter.com/STXOviqorK

— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) November 2, 2024

Nuggets coach Michael Malone did not provide an update on Murray after the game.

“It definitely was a significant hit,” Malone said. “Obviously, we’ll always prioritize his health and safety and make sure he’s in a good place. If he’s not able to play [Saturday], we’ll hope to get him back as soon as possible. … I just don’t want to speculate because I really don’t know the details.”

Murray signed a four-year, $208 million max contract with Denver in September

Murray finished with six points on 2-of-7 (28.6%) shooting in 22 minutes. His performance continued a slow start to the season. It was his third-straight game shooting less than 30% from 3-point range.

Through five games, the Kentucky product is averaging 16.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.2 steals, and 34.8 minutes per contest while shooting 37% from the floor, 30.4% from deep, and 90.9% at the free throw line.

In 59 games (all starts) with Denver last season, he averaged a career-high-tying 21.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, a career-best 6.5 assists, 1.0 steal, and 31.5 minutes per contest.

Per Basketball-Reference, he also shot career bests of 48.1% from the field and 42.5% from 3-point range. His player efficiency rating (20.7) and usage rate (27.9%) were career bests as well.

Murray signed a four-year, $208 million maximum contract extension in September. The deal keeps the Canadian hooper out of free agency next summer and under contract through the 2028-29 season.