The Nuggets played without starting point guard Jamal Murray, who sat out due to inflammation in his left knee. Given their recent schedule, the team decided getting Murray off his feet was wise. The team has been playing without guard Russell Westbrook, who’s been sidelined by a hamstring injury.

Michael Porter Jr. has kept his focus on swishing shots, not the swirling trade rumors. He’s tuned them out, in fact, and turned up his game. On Wednesday night, the Denver Nuggets' sharpshooting forward tied a career high with 39 points in a 144-119 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) and center Nikola Jokic (15) in the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images / Isaiah J.