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.

After the Denver Nuggets beat the Brooklyn Nets for their second straight win, they look for their third as they face the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday afternoon. As the Nuggets will face the Mavericks without Kyrie Irving, they have some issues of their own as stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are on the injury report.