When Nikola Jokic went down with a knee damage earlier this month in opposition to the Miami Warmth, many thought that the Denver Nuggets’ season was doomed. Fortuitously, it was introduced that Jokic would solely miss 4 weeks attributable to his damage, which was an enormous sigh of reduction for the Nuggets group.
Many anticipated Denver to fall within the Western Convention with out their MVP. Given the stacked state of the West, and that changing somebody of Jokic’s caliber is almost not possible, the considered the Nuggets remaining afloat was wishful considering.
They’ve finished simply that. They’ve gone 9-5 within the 14 video games Jokic has missed and are nonetheless the third seed within the West. They’re two and a half video games away from the fourth-place Rockets. Denver’s depth has been in a position to shine because of the good teaching of David Adelman, however one participant has taken middle stage.
Peyton Watson has been an revelation for the Nuggets
Previous to this season, Watson was a primarily seen as a defensive specialist. He was not adequate offensively to play vital minutes, however in the event you wanted power and athleticism on the defensive finish, he may provide you with spot minutes. This season although, Watson has advanced in an enormous method.
The younger ahead is having a career-season throughout the board. He’s averaging practically 15 factors per recreation, 5 rebounds, and one steal per recreation on 51 % from the sphere, and 42 % from three-point vary on about 4 makes an attempt per recreation. Denver has a +8.5 internet score with him on the court docket this season.
Since Jokic has gone down although, Watson is averaging 22 PPG, six rebounds, and three assists. He additionally has a true-shooting proportion of 61 % throughout that span. He has remained environment friendly even with the elevated on-ball position.
Watson seems a lot extra comfortably offensively. His bounce shot has drastically improved, however he has proven off an improved deal with, and is attending to his spots a lot simpler. He’s doing all of this whereas remaining a high-level defender. He’s turning into the true two-way ahead that Denver has been lacking over the past couple seasons, exterior of Aaron Gordon.
Watson has lastly realized his potential and due to that, he has firmly entrenched himself into the Most Improved Participant dialog. If he can hold this up when Jokic comes again, the Nuggets turn out to be that rather more harmful and Watson might be the X-factor for his or her championship goals.
