Dejounte Murray, AJ Griffin lead patchwork victory over the Nuggets

Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty ImagesThe Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets received very different news just before tip-off on Friday night in State Farm Arena. Both Trae Young and Jamal Murray were listed as questionable in the lead up to this matchup. However, the Hawks’ star guard was unable to play tonight – or even join the team in the arena – while the Nuggets’ star guard was cleared to play for the visitors.

With John Collins, De’Andre Hunter, and others already out for Atlanta, it seemed like an unenviable task for the Hawks to topple a strong Western Conference opponent that came in 14-7 on the season. But the Hawks put forth a feisty and varied effort and ultimately came…