The Oklahoma City Thunder won 68 games and went 16-8 during the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Only two series went more than five games, with the Indiana Pacers pushing the defending champions to their limits in the championship round. Before Indiana, however, it was the Denver Nuggets that went to seven.
With Peyton Watson emerging as a reliable option for depth, scoring, athleticism, and defense along the wings, the Nuggets finally have what they need to finish the job.
Watson turned in a strong 2024-25 campaign with averages of 8.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 0.7 steals per game on .477/.353/.693 shooting. There were clear signs of progress during his third season, with many even calling for him to receive more minutes.
Unfortunately, Watson struggled during the 2025 NBA Playoffs and played just 14.2 minutes per game as the Nuggets’ lack of ideal depth became too glaring to ignore.
He’s turned a corner in 2025-26, however, making evident strides in multiple phases of the game. He’s scoring with more volume and efficiency, and beyond the numbers, has played with more confidence and assertiveness on both ends of the floor.
It’s a process that began when Christian Braun suffered an ankle injury on Nov. 11 and thus left the door open for Watson to finally embrace his abilities.
Peyton Watson turning the corner makes Nuggets contenders again
Watson’s first four games without Braun were an unfortunate confirmation of how he tends to limit himself on offense. Thankfully, he experienced a breakthrough when he went off to the tune of 32 points, 12 rebounds, three asists, and a steal during a win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Including the 32-point eruption, Watson has now scored at least 10 points in eight of the past 10 games—and he scored nine in each the two exceptions.
Watson’s recent surge includes a 27-point performance against the Sacramento Kings and a trio of 15-point games. He’s now scored at least 20 points twice and a minimum of 15 points in six games between his 23 appearances during the 2025-26 season.
By comparison, Watson had one 20-point game and nine outings with at least 15 points in 68 appearances a season ago.
With a newfound confidence in his ability to put points on the board and apply pressure to opposing defenses, Watson has given Denver the tools to contend. Key additions such as Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas have been essential, as well, but the Nuggets needed an athletic younger player to join them in revamping the rotation.
Watson has checked that very box by trusting his instincts, shooting when he has the opportunity to do so, and utilizing his 6’8″ frame to cause chaos on defense.
Watson is shooting 41.1 percent on catch-and-shoot threes, and is showing early signs of defensive stopper potential. For perspective: The five players he’s spent the most partial possessions defending this season have been Pascal Siakam, Kevin Durant, DeMar DeRozan, Josh Giddey, and Anthony Edwards—and they’ve shot a combined 18-of-43 from the field.
If Watson can continue to excel as a two-way player, Braun and Aaron Gordon can get healthy, and Denver’s supporting cast can continue to thrive, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray will have a shot at leading the Nuggets past the Thunder.
