Michael Malone took a pragmatic stance on his team's current nine-game winning streak. “It beats the alternative,” the Denver Nuggets coach said. Can't argue there as Malone stands on the brink of a memorable career moment.

The Nuggets took a 75-56 lead over the Trail Blazers at halftime. Murray led the way with 30 points and three assists on 10-15 shooting from the field and 6-10 from deep. The 27-year-old point guard becomes the first player in Nuggets history to finish a first half with 30+ points, 6+ three-pointers, and 3+ assists, per Stathead.