Nuggets stars Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray sat out for a 2nd consecutive game as they continue to nurse nagging injuries.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nuggets stars Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray sat out the Nuggets’ 120-108 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night due to injuries.
Jokić missed his second straight game with a bruised right elbow, while Murray also missed his second straight game with a sprained right ankle. The Nuggets’ pillars are accounting for a combined 50.6 points, 16.6 rebounds, 16.4 assists and 3.2 steals per game this season.
Jokić and Murray both traveled to Los Angeles and did pregame work in an attempt to play, but ultimately were ruled out. Both stars also sat out the Nuggets’ surprising win over Golden State on Monday.
Denver coach Michael Malone on Wednesday profanely defended his team’s decision to protect Jokić and Murray against the Warriors before the Nuggets had made the same decision for their game against the Lakers. Malone said Jokić has played the second-most games in the NBA over the past decade.
“If Nikola is not playing, it’s not because he needs rest,” Malone said. “It’s because he’s hurt, and he’s trying to play through things that most wouldn’t, and we’re at a point now where we have to do what’s best for not only Nikola, but all of our guys as we move forward and try to close out this season. We don’t rest guys. If guys miss games, it’s because they’re unable to go out there and perform at the level that we need them to perform at, and I think it’s really important that everybody knows that.”
LeBron James missed his sixth straight game with a hamstring injury. Coach JJ Redick had no update on James’ recovery, saying James and fellow injured starter Rui Hachimura (knee), who missed his 11th straight game, are considered day-to-day.
Luka Dončić was active for the Lakers despite his nagging right ankle sprain. He sat out last week when Los Angeles traveled to Denver and nearly beat Jokić, Murray and the Nuggets despite the absence of the Lakers’ top two players.
Nuggets guard Christian Braun returned against the Lakers after sitting out Monday with left foot inflammation.
