Jamal Murray’s first half of the season was a roller coaster after he signed a max extension with the Nuggets last September.

The Houston Rockets just finished up a run of games against the top teams in the Eastern Conference (and the Atlanta Hawks). Not only did they go three for three against the top East teams, but their top three players each had a turn willing the team to victory.

Denver Nuggets' star guard Jamal Murray hit a new career milestone in Wednesday night's loss to the New York Knicks.

Sneakers of the week: Stephen Curry, Jamal Murray, LaMelo Ball, more

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.

The Knicks have won five in a row including wins over teams like the Nuggets, Grizzlies, and Kings who have all been surging. New York is sitting at No. 3 in the East and is just a game back of the Celtics for the No. 2 seed. The Knicks are jelling at the right time as they continue to move forward with their season.

The Denver Nuggets are 28-19 after three straight losses on their current five-game road trip. Currently sitting at fourth place in the Western Conference, the Nuggets have mostly bounced back from an inconsistent start to the season, though weaknesses on defense continue to show.

The Knicks can call themselves the hottest team in basketball, extending their winning streak to five games with a 122-112 victory the Nuggets on Wednesday.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Keon Johnson led a balanced Brooklyn attack with 18 points, and the Nets snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 104-83 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night. Jalen Wilson added 15 points and Tosan Evbuomwan had 14 for the Nets, who never trailed.

Murray provided 33 points (13-25 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 4-5 FT), five rebounds, six assists, one block and one steal in 37 minutes during Wednesday's 122-112 loss to the Knicks. Murray put on a show at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday,

While the NBA and its fans are focused on the upcoming trade deadline, the games keep coming — and the best keep separating themselves from the rest. 1. Oklahoma City Thunder (35-7, Last Week No. 2).

With most in NBA circles focused on the Jimmy Butler drama, a new super-star appears to be now be available in the trade market.