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.

After the Nuggets’ win, in an interview with TNT’s Jared Greenberg, Murray claimed he hadn’t heard what O’Neal said. Honestly, given that Murray was likely warming up on the court in Dallas as TNT’s pregame show went on, it’s not all that farfetched to believe him.

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.