The Denver Nuggets secured a narrow 106-103 victory over the Toronto Raptors in their first game without star center Nikola Jokić, who is sidelined for at least four weeks due to a left knee hyperextension. With multiple starters injured, point guard Jamal Murray emerged as the team's lone healthy starter, delivering key contributions amid a challenging road trip. The win highlights Denver's resilience, though additional injuries complicate their Western Conference standing.
The Denver Nuggets are navigating a severe injury crisis early in the 2025-26 NBA season, testing their depth as they aim to defend their 2023 championship. Nikola Jokić, the three-time MVP averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11 assists per game, suffered a left knee hyperextension on Monday night, ruling him out for at least four weeks. This injury not only jeopardizes his pursuit of a fourth MVP award due to the league's 65-game eligibility rule but also leaves a massive void, as the Nuggets are outscored by 5.3 points per 100 possessions without him.
Compounding the issue, starters Aaron Gordon (hamstring, injured Nov. 21), Christian Braun (left ankle sprain, Nov. 12), and Cam Johnson (right knee bone bruise, Dec. 23) remain sidelined. Backup center Jonas Valančiūnas, acquired in July from the Sacramento Kings, strained his right calf during the Raptors game and will also miss at least four weeks, leaving rookie DaRon Holmes II as Denver's only healthy center after just 34 NBA minutes.
Despite the absences, Jamal Murray has shouldered the load effectively. In the win over Toronto, Murray recorded 21 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, while reserve Peyton Watson led with 24 points. Murray, playing at an All-Star level with averages of 25 points, seven assists, and four rebounds—shooting 45.4% from three on 7.7 attempts—emphasized aggression post-game: "Just being aggressive, (with) maybe a little more freedom on the ball... Winning is the priority."
Head coach David Adelman praised the effort, noting, "It's gonna be like this every night. We're gonna have to find a way to get to the fourth quarter." At 23-10, third in the West, Denver faces an easy January schedule but trails closely by the Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns. Gordon and Braun could return soon, offering hope as the team eyes a playoff push with Jokić's anticipated return by the All-Star break.
This stretch will build chemistry for role players like Watson, potentially strengthening Denver for a postseason run against threats like the Oklahoma City Thunder.
