Northwest Division Roundup: Valanciunas Injury, Murray Eyes All-Star Spot, Edwards Draws Criticism, Lillard Updates Rehab
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TORONTO — Denver’s mounting injury list grew Wednesday night when center Jonas Valanciunas left the Nuggets’ road win over the Raptors with a non-contact calf strain late in the third quarter.
The 33-year-old was making his first start of the season while two-time MVP Nikola Jokić recovers from a knee injury expected to sideline him for at least four weeks. Valanciunas had delivered 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three blocks in 23 minutes before heading to the locker room in a walking boot, though he walked on his own.
“It just seems like every night somebody has something,” interim coach David Adelman said. “Hopefully Jonas heals up correctly. Hopefully it’s not serious, just like I’ve said the other 19 times this month.”
Denver is already without starters Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun. Rookie DaRon Holmes II logged 22 minutes in just his fourth NBA game and is in line for a larger role if Valanciunas misses time.
Extra Burden on Murray
With the roster depleted, Jamal Murray carried a heavier load, finishing with 21 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Murray, considered one of the league’s top players yet to make an All-Star team, said he’s aware of the possibility this season.
“Obviously I’d love to be an All-Star, All-NBA, scoring champ, MVP,” he told reporters. “But winning matters — if we win a championship and I don’t make All-Star, we still win a championship. That’s my mindset.”
Edwards Shows Frustration
Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards tossed a towel in the air and walked to the locker room with roughly eight minutes left in Minnesota’s 24-point loss at Atlanta. He did not speak with the media afterward. Coach Chris Finch called the move “inappropriate,” adding, “He needs to stay out on the floor and root for his team.”
Lillard Sees Progress
Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard said his rehabilitation from a torn Achilles tendon “is going great.” Speaking on YouTube, the veteran guard noted the first months were frustrating due to limited activity but said patience and consistent work have him “starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
