The Denver Nuggets recorded their third win in five games without their best player and leader, Nikola Jokic, who, in the best-case scenario, is expected to return near the end of the month. In the meantime, Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun have returned, allowing David Adelman to sleep a bit easier at night.

Through the first 30-plus games of the NBA regular season, it's been a career-best stretch for Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray.

Jamal Murray opens up on chasing All Star, scoring title, and MVP honors as injuries force him to lead the Nuggets.

Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 33, but on 29 shot attempts. He turned it over three times in the fourth quarter and seven times total. Boston kept pressing and fouling in the last minute, shaving an 11-point deficit to three before Murray clinched the game with a late free throw.

Jamal Murray is an NBA champion and the second-best player on one of the league's best teams, but has never been an All-Star. Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jo

Murray is probable for Friday's game against Atlanta due to a left ankle sprain. Murray's addition to the injury report is likely just a precaution, as he was able to take the court Wednesday after initially being listed as probable with the ankle issue. If all goes according to plan, expect Denver to clear the point guard closer to tipoff.

The injury-plagued Denver Nuggets don’t have a true healthy center on their roster after losing three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and backup Jonas Valanciunas earlier this week.

The Denver Nuggets could be without Jamal Murray against the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road on Friday, January 2.