In the almost two full regular seasons since the Denver Nuggets won their first NBA championship in franchise history, there's been a simmering conversation about the non-Nikola Jokic players on the roster.

After an explosive outing Sunday, Jamal Murray said the team wanted to send themselves a message about playing without leader Nikola Jokic.

DENVER — It was a brushstroke of brilliance on a painting crafted hundreds of times before. Nikola Jokic pump-faked from the top of the key, coaxing Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma’s right foot a step too high. Two dribbles came to get past Kuzma, and a left-to-right spin to shed him, setting up the threat of a hook.