The Nuggets' battles with injury issues are well-documented this season. The team many had picked as a top team in the West is currently doing all it can to stay in position to host home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. But with Peyton Watson's return, the Nuggets are finally at full strength, and Watson thinks that at this level, the Nuggets can beat everyone.
Watson made his return to the court for the Nuggets in the second quarter of the game at Ball Arena against the Portland Trail Blazers, a 128-112 win. Watson scored 14 points, had 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in 20 minutes, his first time on the court since suffering a grade 2 hamstring injury on Feb. 4th against the Knicks.
And after the game, Watson made a statement that Nuggets fans have been hoping would come to fruition. It's been a long road in getting back to full health, but Watson's confidence is what fans have thought about this Nuggets team.
"I think when we're healthy, nobody in the league can beat us," Watson said.
That's a sentiment we've been waiting to feel for months. It's been a thought, but now it's a feeling. Welcome back, P-Wat!
All around team-effort against the Blazers
The Nuggets had a balanced attack against the Blazers. Seven players scored in double figures, led by Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, each with 22 points. Jokic had another triple-double by the third quarter, and he totaled 14 rebounds and 14 assists by the time he came out in the fourth quarter.
Cameron Johnson continued his hot play with a 7-10 shooting performance, and he finished with 19 points, his sixth time scoring over 15 points in the last seven games.
All Nuggets starters were in double figures in plus-minus, with Cam and Jokic leading that way at plus 19.
Watson gives the Nuggets an added weapon
Watson is having a breakout season, and he's a defensive and offensive weapon off the bench that the Nuggets have desperately needed back in the lineup.
Watson is averaging career highs of 14.9 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting nearly 50%. But since December 31st, the first of 16 games without Jokic, Watson is averaging 21.15 points, while also seeing his usage volume increase.
However, that production never dropped off after Jokic's return, and Watson looks like the real deal for the Nuggets.
That could be a problem this summer when Watson becomes a restricted free agent. He's expected to command a large contract, and the Lakers are likely his top suitor. Thankfully, the Nuggets get a chance to match any offer Watson receives to keep the budding superstar in Denver a little longer.