Meanwhile, Caldwell-Pope’s replacement in the Denver starting lineup had an exceptional showing in Orlando. Christian Braun went for 20 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and a block. It was his sixth career 20-point game and his second this week.

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 scored 32 of his season-high 45 points in the first half and led the Denver Nuggets to a 118-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett believe the Nuggets are much better with Russell Westbrook running point guard and Jamal Murray at the two.

That hot start for Murray only continued as he helped extend Denver's lead to 27-12. Peyton Watson hit a three, and Jokic hit his first shot of the game as the Nuggets took a 32-1

Braun logged 22 points (10-11 FG, 2-3 3Pt), four boards and one assist in 35 minutes of action in Wednesday's 128-108 loss to the Rockets. The third-year guard matched Jamal Murray as the team's leading scorers with Nikola Jokic (elbow) sidelined and Michael Porter cobbling together a quiet outing Wednesday.

Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun, left, and Los Angeles Clippers guard ... shoots over Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray in the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Los Angeles Clippers ...

Nikola Jokic had 20 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists and three blocks without playing the fourth quarter and the Denver Nuggets rolled to a 113-100 win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday night. Christian Braun added 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Nuggets,

Nikola Jokic notched his 18th triple-double of the season by posting 20 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists, Christian Braun added 20 points and 11 boards and the visiting Denver Nuggets beat the Orlando Magic 113-100 on Sunday night.

In his best game of the season, Jamal Murray put up 45 points and 6 assists to lead the Denver Nuggets to a win over the Dallas Mavericks 118-99. It

It was a banner night for Jamal Murray, who dropped a season high 45 points to go with six assists. Murray show the ball efficiently all night, effectively ending the game by halftime with an incredible first half.

Pickaxe and Roll is a Nuggets podcast streamed live on YouTube every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10am MT. You can catch episodes live by subscribing to the Mile High Sports YouTube channel and turning on Bell Notifications. Make sure to leave a LIKE and tell us what you enjoyed about the episode!