Jamal Murray's 42-Point Explosion Leads Nuggets Over Wizards

Nuggets star shines without injured Nikola Jokic, as Denver wins fourth straight

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:18am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the raw energy and athleticism of a basketball player in motion, with their face and jersey dissolving into a blur of movement.Jamal Murray's late-game heroics propel the Nuggets to victory, showcasing his ability to carry the team in Nikola Jokic's absence.Denver Today

Jamal Murray scored a staggering 42 points to propel the Denver Nuggets to a 121-115 victory over the Washington Wizards on Saturday night. Despite the absence of injured star Nikola Jokic, Murray took over in the fourth quarter, draining clutch shots to seal the win for the Nuggets, who have now won six of their last seven games.

Why it matters

This game showcased Murray's ability to carry the Nuggets in Jokic's absence, raising questions about whether he can consistently lead the team if their star center misses extended time. The Wizards' sixth consecutive loss also highlights their struggles, as they continue to search for answers to turn their season around.

The details

With the score tied at 110 and just over two minutes left, Murray drained a clutch 3-pointer to put the Nuggets ahead for good. He followed that up with a smooth jumper and two free throws to extend the lead to 117-110. Murray's 16-point fourth quarter was the difference-maker in a game that could have gone either way. Supporting Murray's effort, Tim Hardaway Jr. dropped a season-high 30 points, while Peyton Watson chipped in 21 for the Nuggets.

  • Murray scored 23 points in the first half, keeping the Nuggets within striking distance as they trailed 63-62 at halftime.
  • The Wizards clung to the lead through the third quarter, entering the fourth up 86-83.

The players

Jamal Murray

The Denver Nuggets star guard who scored a game-high 42 points to lead his team to victory.

Nikola Jokic

The Nuggets' injured star center, who was sidelined with a left knee bone bruise.

Tim Hardaway Jr.

The Nuggets' guard who scored a season-high 30 points in the win.

Peyton Watson

The Nuggets' forward who contributed 21 points to the team's victory.

Kyshawn George

The Wizards' leading scorer with 29 points, but it wasn't enough to stop their sixth consecutive loss.

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What’s next

The Wizards return home to face the Clippers on Monday, hoping to snap their losing streak. Meanwhile, the Nuggets host the Hornets on Sunday night, aiming to keep their winning momentum alive.

The takeaway

With Jokic out, Jamal Murray has proven he can carry the Nuggets, showcasing his ability to take over games and lead the team to victory. This performance raises questions about whether Murray can consistently lead the Nuggets if their star center misses extended time.