Denver Nuggets: 3 takeaways from the fallout of Jamal Murray’s injury

Takeaway No. 2 for the Denver Nuggets in the aftermath of Jamal Murray’s injury: Nikola Jokic’s MVP campaign

While the biggest questions surrounding this injury revolve around Jamal Murray himself and the future of his team, we’d be remiss if we didn’t consider how the fallout may impact his teammate Nikola Jokic.

Earlier in the season, it seemed like Jokic was the only player on this roster that came ready to play at a high level coming off last season’s late ending. He put up video game numbers, more often than not being the only reason the Nuggets were winning games or even staying close in them.

He was a legitimate MVP candidate throughout it, even when the Nuggets didn’t have a record commensurate with what you’d expect. As Murray heated up, so too did the Nuggets and before long the team was playing on a level worthy of their superstar center.

Now with Murray out, it’s going to once again be tough for the Nuggets to string together wins and maintain their fourth-seeded place in the Western Conference standings.

Jokic’s incredible campaign is certainly worthy of the MVP award, and he’s been aided by injuries to other top candidates like Joel Embiid and LeBron James, but Murray’s absence can most likely only hurt his case in the end.