Denver Nuggets star guard Jamal Murray was ruled out for the remainder of Wednesday's game against the Boston Celtics on Feb. 25, 2026, after leaving early due to illness, dealing a blow to the team in a high-profile matchup at Ball Arena.

Jamal Murray
Jamal Murray

Murray, who entered the contest listed as available despite right hamstring tightness, played just eight minutes before exiting. He finished with two points on 1-of-3 shooting, including 0-for-2 from three-point range, along with one assist. The Nuggets initially listed him as questionable to return before officially ruling him out, with the team announcing the decision via social media and confirming the issue was non-injury related.

Head coach David Adelman revealed postgame that Murray had been in "awful" shape leading up to the contest, heavily medicated in an attempt to play through his symptoms. Despite the effort, he could not continue beyond the first quarter. Sources close to the team indicated the illness came on suddenly, unrelated to his lingering hamstring concern that had been managed over the past week without causing missed games.

The setback is considered short-term, as illnesses typically resolve faster than soft-tissue injuries. Murray's absence forced adjustments, with Bruce Brown stepping in early and the Nuggets relying more on their depth. Denver ultimately prevailed in the contest, showcasing resilience despite the early loss of their All-Star playmaker.

Murray has been a cornerstone of the Nuggets' offense this season, posting career-high averages across several categories through 53 games. He is scoring 25.5 points per game (12th in the NBA), dishing out 7.5 assists (6th league-wide) and grabbing 4.4 rebounds. His shooting efficiency stands at 48.3% from the field and a sharp 42.3% from three-point range on 7.5 attempts per game, with an 88.4% clip from the free-throw line.

In total, Murray has logged 1,874 minutes, converting 474 of 981 field goals (including 167 threes on 395 attempts) for 1,352 points. He has added 396 assists, 235 rebounds, 52 steals and 20 blocks while committing 126 turnovers. His plus-minus of +266 reflects his impact on winning plays.

This season marks a bounce-back campaign for the 28-year-old Canadian, who has started all 53 appearances. His scoring has surged from previous years, building on his role alongside Nikola Jokic in Denver's high-powered attack. Murray's playmaking has elevated the Nuggets' offense, ranking among the league leaders in assist totals and efficiency in pick-and-roll situations.

The hamstring tightness had been a minor concern entering the Celtics game. Listed on the injury report as questionable before being upgraded to available, Murray gutted through it to start. However, the illness overshadowed any hamstring flare-up, with reports emphasizing he felt unwell from the outset.

Denver's medical staff continues to monitor the hamstring, but optimism remains high that it won't sideline him long-term. The team has one day off before their next contest, providing Murray time to recover. No timeline has been provided for his return, but the non-injury nature of Wednesday's exit suggests he could be back soon, pending clearance.

Murray's importance to the Nuggets cannot be overstated. As a key piece of their championship core, his scoring and facilitation complement Jokic's dominance in the paint. His absence, even brief, tests Denver's depth against tough Western Conference foes and Eastern visitors like Boston.

Fans and analysts alike will watch closely for updates on Murray's status. The Nuggets have navigated injuries before, but maintaining momentum in a competitive conference requires their stars healthy. With Murray averaging over 35 minutes per game and delivering consistent production, his full availability remains crucial for playoff positioning.

The illness comes amid a strong individual season that has Murray in All-Star conversations and contributing to Denver's solid record. His ability to create off the dribble, stretch the floor and lead in transition has elevated the team's ceiling.

As the Nuggets prepare for upcoming games, the focus shifts to rest and recovery for Murray. Team officials expressed confidence that the issue is manageable, with no indication of a prolonged absence. Updates are expected in the coming days as Murray progresses.

For now, the Nuggets move forward without their starting point guard, but the belief persists that he will return soon and continue his impressive 2025-26 campaign.