Nuggets lean on Peyton Watson’s career night as injuries open door
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Peyton Watson seized a rare offensive spotlight on Wednesday, pouring in a career-best 32 points as the short-handed Denver Nuggets edged the New Orleans Pelicans. The third-year wing shot 13-for-19 from the field and 5-for-9 from beyond the arc while Christian Braun (left ankle sprain) and Aaron Gordon (hamstring injury management) sat out.
“I knew there was going to be a need for me to increase my offensive load,” Watson said. “I didn’t have any idea I was going to have 30.” His previous high was 24.
Even with limited scoring early this season—6.4 points per game on .441/.263/.720 shooting through 13 contests—Watson has held a rotation spot because of his defense. He leads Denver with 1.1 blocks per game and is tied for third in steals at 1.1. On Wednesday, the Pelicans left him open, and teammate Bruce Brown encouraged him to keep firing: “They’re going to give you 10 attempts,” Brown told him. “I know you’re going to hit four or five of them.”
Nnaji pressed into starting role
With Gordon sidelined, forward Zeke Nnaji made just his second start of the season and later closed the game after Nikola Jokić fouled out. Nnaji finished with two points and a minus-18 rating in 26:55, but Denver considered him its best option against Zion Williamson. According to NBA.com tracking data, Williamson shot 2-for-7 when guarded by Nnaji.
Johnson heats up from deep
Off-season acquisition Cameron Johnson, who began the year 8-for-38 from three-point range, has connected on 6-of-10 over the last two games. Head coach David Adelman remained confident during the slump, saying, “Cam is going to make shots. That is the bottom line.” Johnson drilled five threes Monday against Chicago.
Barea’s coaching path
Assistant coach J.J. Barea, hired during the summer, rejoined Adelman after the two first worked together in Minnesota more than a decade ago. “He’ll tell you straight up to your face,” Barea said of Adelman. “These are two good people to know and learn from more about the NBA,” he added, referring to Adelman and his father, longtime coach Rick Adelman.
Depth fueling fast start
Denver’s 11-3 record is tied to its expanded bench, Jokić told The Athletic. “Different positions, different personnel, different types of players, and everything is working out for us—defensively first and then offensively. Everybody’s buying in,” the reigning MVP said.
Source: Hoops Rumors
