In the almost two full regular seasons since the Denver Nuggets won their first NBA championship in franchise history, there's been a simmering conversation about the non-Nikola Jokic players on the roster.

After an explosive outing Sunday, Jamal Murray said the team wanted to send themselves a message about playing without leader Nikola Jokic.

And Nikola Jokic, making his return from a five-game absence caused by elbow and ankle injuries, tallied 39 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. If there was any doubt as to his health, he seemed to alleviate them by throwing down his usual pregame dunk — then by throwing down another in the first quarter.

Nikola Jokic had 39 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in his first game back in nearly two weeks to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 127-117 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks