Malone: Murray “doubtful”
Door not shut on guard’s possible return
Jamal Murray’s first-round playoff availability remains uncertain.
“I would lean more towards him being doubtful at this time,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said Wednesday. “But I haven’t closed that door. We’ll see how this series (against Golden State) goes and how Jamal feels. But zero pressure from me to Jamal. He’s going to come back when he’s ready.”
Murray, one year removed from tearing his ACL at Golden State, has not played this season. The guard joined in parts of practice Wednesday ahead of Game 1 Saturday at Golden State. Nuggets general manager Tim Connelly, in a Wednesday interview on Altitude Sports Radio, said that Murray is in the “red zone” of his rehabilitation.
“I’d be very excited if he came back,” said forward Jeff Green. “He’s a tremendous talent. … I’m pretty sure he would help us no matter how many minutes he plays. Given what he can do for us on the court, he’s going to be a threat.”
Meanwhile, Warriors guard Steph Curry (foot) is considered “day-to-day” for a possible return to face the Nuggets. Golden State coach Steve Kerr said a decision over Curry’s playing status will be decided by the end of the week, per ESPN.
That speculation has not changed Denver’s preparation. The Nuggets fully expect Curry to play.
“He’s going to play for sure,” center Nikola Jokic said.
Curry averaged 25.5 points, 6.3 assists and 1.9 steals over 64 games played this season. He is recovering from a sprained ligament and bone bruise in his left foot.
“I’m assuming he’ll play,” Malone said. “I think he’s going to scrimmage (Thursday) in their practice. If that goes well, he’ll be available. We’re preparing as if he’s a go.”
Campazzo suspended. Nuggets reserve point guard Facu Campazzo has been suspended for Game 1 against the Warriors, the NBA announced on Wednesday.
The suspension resulted from Campazzo “forcefully shoving” the Lakers’ Wayne Ellington from behind in the second quarter of Sunday’s regular-season finale at Ball Arena. Ellington was fined $20,000 for “escalating the incident with a threatening comment on social media,” per the league. Ellington posted this message on Twitter (@Wayneellington) after the game: When I see you I’m putting my hands on you. @facucampazzo.
“It’s unfortunate. Facu sent me a message the other day apologizing for what happened in that Lakers game,” Malone said. “The league has handed out their punishment for that. … He’s helped us win a playoff series. He was a starter last year against Portland. He’s definitely a guy we can throw into any series and trust him. Obviously, with the league’s ruling, that won’t be the case for Game 1.”