Nuggets Roundup: Watson changes representation, Johnson and Braun hurt, Jokic’s 55 ends winless 50-point streak
nuggets-roundup-watson-agent-johnson-braun-injuries-jokic-55
The Denver Nuggets have a busy injury report, a new agency switch for a young forward and another historic night from Nikola Jokic after Wednesday’s 117-108 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Peyton Watson joins Klutch Sports
Forward Peyton Watson, who did not agree to a rookie-scale extension before the season, has signed with Klutch Sports Group ahead of his expected restricted free agency in the 2026 offseason. The 23-year-old previously worked with Excel Sports. Through 11 games, Watson is averaging 6.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks in 21.1 minutes.
Early exits for Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun
Two starters left Wednesday’s game because of injuries. Cameron Johnson departed in the first quarter with a right arm strain, and Christian Braun rolled his left ankle in the second period. Head coach David Adelman said both players were ruled out at halftime and will be evaluated Thursday in Los Angeles. “If they are out, or if they’re in, we have to figure out a way to make our rotation make sense,” Adelman noted.
Jokic scores 55 in first 50-plus win
Jokic poured in 55 points on 18-for-23 shooting, including 5-of-6 from deep and 14-of-16 at the line, ending Denver’s 0-4 record in games where he previously scored at least 50. “I think this is the first time I scored 50 that we won, so it’s a good feeling,” the three-time MVP said.
The Serbian center is averaging 35.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, 11.0 assists and 1.8 steals while shooting .739 from the field, .556 from three and .857 at the stripe during the team’s current six-game winning streak.
Spencer Jones embraces defensive role
Two-way forward Spencer Jones has carved out minutes as a defensive specialist, slowing James Harden at times on Wednesday. “You just have to come in, guard one of the better players out there,” Jones said, adding that his playing time varies nightly.
Bruce Brown adjusts; Strawther waits
Veteran guard Bruce Brown, who rejoined Denver in free agency, acknowledged his responsibilities differ from the 2023 championship run. “When you come back to a situation where you were before, you think it’s gonna be exactly the same, but it’s not,” Brown said. Off-season additions Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. have reduced minutes for younger wings such as Julian Strawther, now averaging 8.1 minutes after logging 21.3 last season. Jokic praised Strawther’s readiness, saying the third-year player stays aggressive and committed defensively when called upon.
Source: Hoops Rumors
