Denver Nuggets Overcome Injuries to Defeat Warriors
SAN FRANCISCO — The Denver Nuggets secured a 114-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Monday night, despite missing star players Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray due to injuries.
Jokic, dealing with a right elbow contusion and left ankle impingement, and Murray, nursing a right ankle sprain, were both ruled out before tipoff. Denver also played without starting wing Christian Braun, who was sidelined with left foot inflammation.
With key players absent, Aaron Gordon stepped up in a big way, leading the Nuggets with 38 points. Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook delivered a triple-double performance, contributing 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 16 assists to guide Denver to victory.
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone had previously tried to convince Jokic to rest during a back-to-back stretch earlier in the month, but the two-time MVP declined, playing heavy minutes and leading his team to a crucial win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jokic has averaged nearly 40 minutes per game in March, showcasing his durability and determination.
Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III Out for Season with Shoulder Injury
NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn labrum and partial rotator cuff tear in his right shoulder, the team announced Monday night.
Murphy sustained the injury in the first quarter of the Pelicans’ 127-81 loss to the Detroit Pistons after diving for a loose ball. He played only one minute before exiting the game.
The 23-year-old was in the midst of a breakout season, averaging 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game—career-highs across the board. Murphy also continued to shine as a premier 3-and-D player, surpassing 150 made three-pointers for the third consecutive season.
Last October, Murphy signed a four-year, $112 million contract extension with New Orleans, cementing his role as a key piece of the franchise’s future. However, the Pelicans have struggled this season, sitting at 18-51 with just 13 games remaining, largely due to injuries affecting key players.
The team will provide updates on Murphy’s recovery as appropriate.
Obi Toppin’s Heroics Lift Pacers Over Timberwolves in OT Thriller
MINNEAPOLIS — Obi Toppin delivered a career-best performance, draining four three-pointers in overtime, including a stunning game-winner with 3.5 seconds left, to propel the Indiana Pacers past the Minnesota Timberwolves 132-130 on Monday night.
Toppin finished with a season-high 34 points on 7-for-10 shooting from beyond the arc, stepping up in a game where the Pacers were without their top six scorers in the final stretch. His clutch, off-balance three-pointer from the right corner sealed Indiana’s dramatic victory, reminiscent of Tyrese Haliburton’s four-point play against the Milwaukee Bucks just last week.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle was in awe of Toppin’s late-game performance, calling it “one of the most spectacular runs at the end of the game I’ve ever seen.”
Indiana was severely shorthanded, missing starters Pascal Siakam (personal reasons), Haliburton (back injury), Aaron Nesmith (ankle), and Myles Turner (hip). Adding to their adversity, Andrew Nembhard was ejected in the third quarter, and Bennedict Mathurin fouled out in the fourth.
Despite the obstacles, the Pacers’ bench unit, led by T.J. McConnell’s 11 points and 13 assists, played fast and aggressive basketball to stun the Timberwolves. McConnell also hit the game-tying layup with 4.6 seconds left in regulation, setting up Toppin’s heroics in overtime.
On the other side, Anthony Edwards poured in 38 points for Minnesota, with 29 coming after halftime. The Timberwolves appeared to have the game in hand, leading by five points with a minute left in overtime, but Thomas Bryant’s clutch three-pointer followed by Toppin’s dagger sealed their fate.
This loss could have significant playoff implications for the Timberwolves, who are in the midst of a heated race in the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, Indiana remains just one game behind the Milwaukee Bucks for fourth place in the East.