In another epic matchup with the Houston Rockets, the Denver Nuggets earned a hard-fought overtime win.

Denver defeated Houston 128-125 in a game that showcased the elite abilities of both teams and their star players.

Nikola Jokic was tremendous in the second half, finishing with 39 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals, and two blocks before fouling out at the end of overtime. Alperen Sengun came to play vs Jokic with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists of his own. Kevin Durant had an efficient 25 points to go with seven assists and five blocks as the Nuggets often chose to double Durant and get the ball out of his hands.

But the margin for Denver was Jamal Murray and his spectacular play.

The Nuggets star point guard finished the game with 35 points on 17 shots, shooting 3-of-5 from three and an absurd 14-of-15 from the free throw line. He also had five assists and three rebounds, but the main skill he brought to the table last night was his scoring off the dribble.

Murray was extremely impactful throughout the game as the initiator in Denver’s two-man game. Many of his baskets were unassisted as he navigated pressure applied by Amen Thompson, Josh Okogie, Sengun when he hedged or switched, and others. Murray’s understanding of Jokic’s gravity helps him take risks, drive to the rim, and fake passes often enough that defenders constantly stay glued to Jokic instead of rotating to him. The Rockets couldn’t find the right coverage against him all night, and Murray punished them consistently.

With Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun out, Murray has been asked to handle an extensive burden as a playmaker off the dribble. Peyton Watson also suffered an injury, meaning the Nuggets were very focused on the Jokic-Murray actions for most of the evening. That pays off when both stars are playing like this. Like All-Stars.

And make no mistake about it: Murray is an All-Star this year. The Nuggets are dominating, and not just because of Jokic. Murray has lifted Denver to new heights record wise this year, and his per game averages of 24.9 points and 6.8 assists while shooting 50.1% from the field, 44.7% from three, and 89.6% from the line are closer to prime Stephen Curry than anything else.

In reality, this is one of just 12 seasons in NBA history when a player has averaged at least 24 points and 6 assists per game while shooting 50% from the field and 40% from three. Murray is touching history here, and that should be more than enough of a reason to include him in the festivities.

So, while Murray won’t make his own All-Star case, I will.

Elsewhere on the Nuggets, Peyton Watson suffered what David Adelman called a “bone-to-bone” injury that’s been discussed as a contusion. Adelman said he will be fine and it’s a short term concern, not a long term one.

Spencer Jones stepped up in a big way in this game, hitting multiple three-pointers in clutch moments out of the right corner. The Rockets pre-rotated off of Jones to try and help on the Jokic-Murray actions, but Jones was left wide open on multiple occasions and made the Rockets pay.

Jones has had to step up on several occasions for Denver. He became the primary defender on Durant tonight, though the Nuggets were often cross-matched or in zone to protect the paint. Jones still had two steals and three blocks, providing defensive impact in a significant role.

Off the bench, Jonas Valanciunas had a strong second quarter to help the Nuggets stay attached in the game. Tim Hardaway Jr. stepped up as the starter and played 40 minutes in place of the injured Watson, drawing a crucial foul late in regulation with the Nuggets down one to help Denver tie things up before the final regulation possession. Bruce Brown also had some great rebounds and a steal right at the end of the first half that he turned into transition points.

Overall, a great win for the Nuggets. A great showing against an elite opponent in the Houston Rockets, Denver’s second win vs Houston this year. The Orlando Magic will come to Denver next before the Rockets return on Saturday for a rematch. Houston will be out for blood in that one.