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.

The Denver Nuggets recently took on the shorthanded Dallas Mavericks, as both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are sidelined with injuries at the moment. Still, that didn't stop the Mavericks from jumping on the Nuggets early. Denver had weathered the storm by halftime, though Dallas would enjoy another run to take a lead late in the third quarter.