NBA analyst Brian Windhorst just dropped a bombshell that will shake up conversations around the Denver Nuggets’ chances this season. In a recent segment on *NBA Today*, he made a bold comparison between Jamal Murray and none other than Joel Embiid. While Murray has struggled with his shooting form, especially this preseason, Windhorst steered the debate toward something far more significant—Murray’s health. And let’s be clear: Westbrook Won’t Save the Nuggets if Murray’s health falters. According to Windhorst, it’s Murray’s fitness that will make or break Denver’s season.
Why Russell Westbrook Won’t Save the Nuggets if Murray Breaks Down
Forget about his shooting percentage; Windhorst made it crystal clear that Murray’s health is the real game-changer. According to him, Murray’s condition is as critical to the Western Conference as Embiid’s health is to the East. Now that’s a comparison you wouldn’t see coming, right? But it makes sense. Last year, despite Murray’s moments of brilliance, his overall form dipped, especially in the playoffs. He was off his game, missing key shots in matchups against the Lakers and Timberwolves, and his struggles continued into the Olympics while playing for Canada.
It’s no surprise the questions keep coming. Can Murray stay healthy? Can he bounce back? The stakes are high, but Murray doesn’t seem fazed. Windhorst emphasized how much hinges on his fitness, comparing the difference Murray’s health makes to that of Joel Embiid in Philadelphia.
“When Murray is fully healthy, the Nuggets are a whole different beast,” Windhorst said. He’s not wrong. Murray’s absence or subpar health has shown a direct correlation with Denver’s playoff exits. Look back at 2020—Murray was in top form, and the Nuggets made it to the conference finals. But when injuries plagued him in the following years, Denver got knocked out early. Fast forward to 2023, Murray is back at full strength, and what happens? The Nuggets win it all. It’s almost like the script writes itself.
Now, Windhorst’s take might sound extreme, but it checks out. Jokic might be the Nuggets’ heartbeat, but without a healthy Murray, their championship dreams start fading fast.
At first glance, comparing Embiid and Murray feels like comparing apples to oranges. One’s a dominant big man, and the other’s a slick guard. But dig deeper, and Windhorst’s take lands hard. Both stars dictate the fate of their teams and their conferences with their health. Denver without a healthy Murray is like a boat without a captain—floating aimlessly. Philadelphia without Embiid? The same story. Windhorst’s insight cuts right to the heart of the matter: if either player goes down, their teams’ playoff dreams do too.
Let’s face it—if Murray’s health falters, Russell Westbrook won’t lead the Nuggets to another championship. Sure, Westbrook can bring energy and aggression, but it’s Murray who has the magic touch Denver desperately needs. Losing a key player like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope may hurt, but the Nuggets’ core still stands tall with Jokic, Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr. This squad is more than capable, but only if Murray stays healthy. Denver’s window is still wide open, but it’s fragile, resting squarely on Murray’s shoulders—and knees.
Windhorst’s comments strike a nerve because they expose a harsh truth about star players and team success—one injury can crumble an entire season. His comparison between Murray and Embiid underscores just how fragile that balance is, adding suspense to what could be a rollercoaster NBA season.
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