The Denver Nuggets defeated the Washington Wizards in a 107-97 barnburner of a game.
Okay, it was pretty slow at the beginning, and the Nuggets definitely needed some time waking offensively. Once they did though, there were some impressive performances across the board, including a career high 35 points from Peyton Watson.
Watson was tremendous in this game, doing absolutely everything for Denver and filling up the box score in very important ways. His aforementioned 35 points occurred with spot up three-pointers that weren’t easy, pull-up jumpers, drives to the basket, and drawing fouls in the paint. Watson shot 10-of-16 from the field, 6-of-8 from three, and 9-of-10 from the free throw line, a highly efficient performance from all levels and one the Nuggets desperately needed.
Another game, another GREAT Peyton Watson performance!
35 PTS 8 REB 4 BLK 6-8 3PM 10-16 FGM @nuggets W
It’s his fourth career regular-season game with 30+ PTS, and all have come this month! pic.twitter.com/fDpSRZENjL
— NBA (@NBA) January 23, 2026
The confidence that Watson is displaying is tremendously important. This was a game when the Nuggets need a pick-up, and rather than look for someone else to do it, Watson knew he was capable and executed the game plan while limiting mistakes. He also added 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks to the stat sheet to go with just 1 turnover. The blocks against Alex Sarr were incredible, highlighting just how much talent Watson has to give.
Jamal Murray was one of the players who started slow for Denver, scoring just 5 points on 7 shots in the first half and struggling to find a real rhythm. That changed in the second half when Murray got a four-point play to go down off a shot fake from the perimeter. He saw one shot go in and proceeded to cook for the rest of the half, scoring 24 points in total to go with 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and a block of his own. Murray likely wasn’t expecting to have to amp things up in the second half, but in a close game, the Nuggets went to him down the stretch and he delivered nicely.
In addition to the two stars, Jonas Valanciunas made his return to the floor after missing 11 games with a strained calf. Valanciunas immediately made his impact felt in the middle of the floor with 8 points and 4 rebounds in the first six minutes alone. He finished the game with just 21 minutes as the Nuggets balanced his foul trouble (five fouls) with a minutes restriction. Valanciunas ultimately finished the game with 16 points and 9 rebounds in his 21 minutes, outperforming former teammate Alex Sarr in the process and giving the Nuggets the rebounding they desperately needed.
Welcome back, Big Val! Jonas Valančiūnas returns from injury and throws down a one-handed dunk over Alex Sarr pic.twitter.com/k9IyRls4HO
— r/nba_highlights (@rNBAHighlights) January 23, 2026
This was just the third time in Denver’s last 13 games (Jokic’s absence) that the Nuggets have won the rebounding battle. The reinforcements (and a huge center on the floor) certainly made a difference, as it playing the Wizards who aren’t a great rebounding team at all either. Denver took advantage though, and they deserve credit for doing so.
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows though. Tim Hardaway Jr. remains in a shooting slump, having missed his last 15 threes in a row. He’s attempted over 300 on the season already so it’s likely to normalize quickly. Bruce Brown and Jalen Pickett each had troubles initiating offense tonight, though Pickett figured some things out in the fourth quarter.
In addition, the Nuggets play another back-to-back on Friday night against the Milwaukee Bucks on national television. Milwaukee’s fresh off being crushed by Oklahoma City, and the Nuggets played their starters heavy minutes tonight. Watson in particular took some hard falls, while Murray was already on the injury report for a new hip injury and Gordon needs the maintenance.
It should surprise no one if the Nuggets decide to rest in Milwaukee tomorrow, meaning there will be plenty of opportunities for younger players, especially DaRon Holmes, Julian Strawther, and Hunter Tyson off the bench, if that’s the case.
For now, Nuggets fans can enjoy a win. Denver improved to 30-15 and continues to navigate a packed January reasonably well without the best player in the world on the floor.
Peyton Watson goes off in career night, Nuggets defeat Wizards in Valanciunas’ return Mile High Sports.
Hence then, the article about peyton watson goes off in career night nuggets defeat wizards in valanciunas return was published today ( ) and is available on Mile High Sports ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Peyton Watson goes off in career night, Nuggets defeat Wizards in Valanciunas’ return )
Also on site :
- Refs deserve all the praise for getting it right in Bills-Broncos battle — yes, even when it got controversial
- Around The NFL: Brian Flores Returns to Vikings, Baker vs. Stefanski, Nagy and the Eagles? Is Tomlin Done?
- MLB clears ex-Giants reliever Sean Hjelle after investigation into allegations of ‘abuse’