Jamal Murray’s season-high scoring night came on the heels of Michael Malone almost shutting him down at halftime in Denver’s previous game on Sunday.

Jamal Murray, who signed a four-year, $208 million contract extension last year, produced his best offensive performance of the season Tuesday, scoring a season-high 45 points in leading the Denver Nuggets to a 118-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

The Houston Rockets (26-12) travel to play the Denver Nuggets (24-15) on Wednesday at Ball Arena, the first game this season between the two teams. The Rockets won the season series 3-1 in 2023-24, with Alperen Şengün averaging 20.

Wednesday’s meeting between the Rockets and Nuggets (+1.5) is the first between the longtime Western Conference foes since four matchups in late 2023.

The Rockets have won four in a row most recently knocking off the Grizzlies Monday Night at home. Jalen Green led Houston with a career-high 42 points. Denver has also won four straight. Last night the Nuggets routed the Mavericks in Dallas, 118-99. Jamal Murray had his biggest game of the season pouring in 45 points for the Nuggets.