Nuggets’ Jamal Murray in concussion protocol, exits early vs. Timberwolves

Denver Nuggets superstar Jamal Murray exited Friday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves early after entering the concussion protocol, the team announced.

The incident occurred in the opening minutes of the third quarter. Murray tried to set an off-ball screen for teammate Aaron Gordon but got caught between Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle on the play. Randle turned around quickly and his shoulder caught Murray in the face.

Murray’s head jerked back into Edwards from the impact, and he doubled over in pain while the play continued before subbing out four possessions later during a timeout and heading to the locker room for further examination.

Up to that point in the game, the 27-year-old had six points on two for seven shooting from the field, with two rebounds and three assists in 22 minutes. He was leading the team with a +8 plus-minus.

The Kitchener, Ont., native has struggled to start the season, averaging 18.8 points on 37.9 per cent from the field, and has added 5.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 38.0 minutes.

— With files from the Associated Press