Can Peyton Watson really "disrupt" Kawhi Leonard?

The Nuggets miserably failed to check Kawhi Leonard in Game 2. The two-time Finals MVP dropped an effortless 39 points while shooting an almost comical 15-of-19 from the field and 4-of-7 from downtown.

From the opening tip, Leonard targeted Jamal Murray. The Canadian guard, for all his offensive brilliance, is not the matchup Denver wants to stop Kawhi. The Klaw simply rose over Murray possession after possession, hitting contested mid-range jumpers with his trademark robotic consistency and expressionless face.

The Nuggets’ second-half adjustments? Throwing Peyton Watson and eventually Aaron Gordon at the problem? Too little, too late. Leonard was already seeing the basket too well to be contained.

Enter Peyton Watson: The Self-Proclaimed Kawhi Stopper?

Amid the defensive struggle, second-year forward Peyton Watson has emerged with what can only be described as audacious confidence. During yesterday’s postpractice media availability, Watson made claims that would make even the most optimistic Nuggets fan apprehensive.

"I think I guarded him two possessions where he shot the ball last game. One, he hit a real tough shot on me. The other one I got a stop. I think that I can definitely disrupt him with my length and what I do on that end."

Peyton Watson

Watson played 13 minutes in Game 2. He’s referencing a 1-for-2 defensive stand against a player who just went 15-for-19 against the entire Nuggets team. I suppose 50% shooting is worse than the almost 80% he shot throughout the game, but I remain dubious that P-Wat is the answer against Leonard.

But wait, there’s more from Watson's press conference:

"I think we did play solid defense for the most part. I think that he felt a little bit comfortable and that there wasn't enough resistance. So, I look forward to contributing to that here in Game 3 ... especially when someone comes off a career game like that. That was one of the more impressive performances that I've ever seen shooting-wise. So, I think everybody's eager and excited to guard him."

Peyton Watson

Kawhi “felt a little bit comfortable" is quite the understatement. The Clippers’ Terminator-esque small forward got to his spots, rose up and splashed jumper after jumper over various Nuggets trying to contest him.

Is Watson’s Opportunity Knocking?

With Michael Porter Jr. questionable for Game 3 due to a left shoulder sprain, Watson might actually get his chance to back up those bold words. The Los Angeles native could see significantly more minutes in a pivotal game in front of his friends and family back home.

Tied 1-1 and facing a critically important Game 3, the Nuggets need someone — anyone — to slow down Kawhi. If MPJ can’t go, Watson's defensive claims will be put to the test under the NBATV “spotlight.”

New Nuggets coach David Adelman has few options left. Something has to change, and Watson’s length and athleticism on Leonard might just be worth the gamble, according to Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report.

Time to Put Up or Shut Up

Game 3 represents a crossroads for both the Nuggets and Watson, specifically. If he gets the extended minutes that seem likely with MPJ’s injury situation, we’ll quickly find out if there’s substance behind the swagger.

If Watson can actually slow down Leonard even slightly through the rest of the series — holding him under 50% shooting would qualify as a huge win at this point — he’ll instantly become a Nuggets folk hero. If Kawhi continues his robotic destruction, the Nuggets will need something to change the momentum of this series.

Whether Watson’s length and defensive intensity are the answer remains to be seen, but at least someone in a Denver uniform is showing some fight. Game 3 tips off tonight at the Intuit Dome. Watson sounds ready for the challenge. The question is: Can he really "disrupt" Kawhi?