In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Bennett Durando and sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene as the calendar flips to 2025 with a Denver rout of Atlanta. Among the topics discussed:

+ Jamal Murray's annual slow start to the season appears to finally be in the rearview mirror. With the Nuggets surging at 8-3 in their last 11 games, is this the key to the season?

+ Nikola Jokic was the clear favorite in ESPN's MVP straw poll at the end of the NBA Cup. Could he really win his fourth MVP in five seasons? Or is it Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's time with the Thunder rising above the rest in the Western Conference?

+ Russell Westbrook is fitting in with the Nuggets so far in the regular season. Can this last for Denver once the postseason rolls around?

+ How much of a concern is Aaron Gordon's hamstring issues? Should the Nuggets sit him for a while so he's 100% healthy for April?

+ Updated Nuggets Ink wins leader standings revealed and more listener emails.

Producer: AAron Ontiveroz

Music: "The Last Dragons" by Schama Noel