Peyton Watson exits with hamstring strain as Nuggets list of injuries grows
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The Denver Nuggets lost forward Peyton Watson to a right hamstring injury during the fourth quarter of Wednesday night’s 134-127 double-overtime defeat to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Watson left with 8:30 remaining in regulation after scoring 10 points and grabbing five rebounds. Head coach David Adelman said the club will wait for MRI results before setting a timetable. “It’s deflating when you keep seeing people go down around you,” Adelman told reporters.
Since the calendar turned to 2026, Watson has averaged 21.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.6 blocks while filling in for Aaron Gordon, who continues to battle his own hamstring problem. The Nuggets have also dealt with injuries this season to three-time MVP Nikola Jokić, guard Christian Braun and reserve center Jonas Valančiūnas.
Starters log heavy minutes
Jokić, playing his third game since returning from a month-long absence caused by a knee bone bruise, registered a 30-point triple-double in 45 minutes. Jamal Murray added 39 points across 48 minutes. Jokić said he felt “no tiredness” despite the jump in workload.
“Another guy has to step up,” the center said, emphasizing the need for aggressiveness from whoever fills Watson’s spot.
More injuries strike Denver
Two-way forward Spencer Jones left in the first half to be evaluated for a concussion after a head-to-head collision with Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns. Jones reached the NBA limit for two-way appearances during the game and must be converted to a standard contract once Denver opens a roster spot before Thursday’s trade deadline.
Towns required stitches for a forehead cut, returned to post 24 points and 12 rebounds in 31 minutes, and eventually fouled out.
Brunson lifts Knicks to eighth straight win
Jalen Brunson scored 10 of his 42 points in the second overtime, adding eight rebounds and nine assists as New York secured its eighth consecutive victory. “On a big stage, on a back-to-back, he showed why he should be mentioned among MVP candidates,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said.
Source: ESPN
