Murray was not the only one. Will Barton hasn’t played since late April because of a strained right hamstring. PJ Dozier is out with a right adductor strain.
“You see all these other teams in the playoffs, and a lot is made of guys being out with injuries — guy’s gonna miss a game, he’s gonna miss another game. I mean Jamal Murray has been out for 24 games now, and look what we’ve done without a guy that was one of the best players in the bubble last year,” coach Michael Malone said.
The Nuggets, in late April, signed journeyman Austin Rivers, who assumed a starting role and hit four straight 3-pointers during a crucial stretch in Game 3 that propelled Denver to a 120-115 victory.
“That’s why I love this group, because no matter who you call upon, they’re ready to go out there and simply do their job, and that’s all you can ask,” Malone said.
Jokic, of course, led the Nuggets in the six games, averaging 33 points and 10.5 rebounds.
“I’m glad that we finished the job here. I’m glad that everybody played well. I’m glad that we didn’t quit because we had a couple guys out. We fought every game,” Jokic said. “I’m glad that we have a really good group of guys and they’re not quitters.”
Jokic had 36 points in Denver’s series-clinching 125-115 victory over sixth-seeded Portland on Thursday night. The Nuggets trailed by 14 points in the third quarter but rallied down the stretch, outscoring Portland 28-14 in the final period.
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