Murray and Jokic also missed Denver's last game against the Golden State Warriors, where guys like Aaron Gordon and Russell Westbrook stepped up to lead them to a win. In Wednesday's game, things were different.

Russell Westbrook added to his long list of accomplishments, as the Nuggets veteran guard stepped up on Monday against the Warriors.

The Denver Nuggets (44-25) are tied for second-place in the Western Conference standings ahead of their Wednesday night matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers (42-25). Denver still has three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, but it is not the same team that won the 2023 NBA title.