Star point guard Jamal Murray is averaging 20.1 points and 6.0 assists per game on the season, including a 30-point and 45-point performance in two of his last four games. Murray played a huge role in Denver's 2023 Finals run and has recently proved once again why he is the ideal second option to Jokic.

The Nuggets have improved, coinciding with Aaron Gordon’s return. But they are in a tough spot, dependent on a streaky player. Murray knows the uncomfortable truth: For the Nuggets to win big, they need Bubble Jamal — not a player who looks like he should be encased in bubble wrap.

Jamal Murray, who signed a four-year, $208 million contract extension last year, produced his best offensive performance of the season Tuesday, scoring a season-high 45 points in leading the Denver Nuggets to a 118-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.