-
Tim Bontemps
Multiple Authors
In New York, the Denver Nuggets organization has regrettably grown accustomed to competing this season despite key players being sidelined due to injuries.
Although Wednesday evening’s electrifying 134-127 double-overtime win by the New York Knicks against the Nuggets at Madison Square Garden provided immense entertainment, its lasting consequence for Denver is yet another injury, a hamstring issue for forward Peyton Watson, which forced his departure in the fourth quarter and seems likely to lead to a prolonged period off the court.
When queried about Watson’s condition after the game, Nuggets coach David Adelman commented, “We are awaiting the MRI results. However, witnessing such frequent occurrences this year is tough. My sympathy goes out to the athletes in the locker room.”
“It’s disheartening when your teammates consistently get injured while you’re striving to achieve collective goals.”
Watson, who did not address the media following the contest, accumulated 10 points and 5 rebounds before his departure at the 8:30 mark of the fourth period. This setback follows a remarkable streak of performances in recent weeks, during which he consistently started, filling in for Aaron Gordon, who himself had been out for multiple weeks due to a hamstring strain that he recently experienced a re-aggravation of.
From the beginning of 2026, Watson has been showcasing the finest play of his professional career, contributing averages of 21.4 points, 5.3 boards, 2.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.6 blocks per contest for Denver. The team has also contended with significant injuries to their three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, starting backcourt player Christian Braun, and reserve big man Jonas Valanciunas throughout the current campaign, in addition to Gordon’s recurring unavailability.
“This simply represents the next challenge,” Adelman stated. “We will need to reassess our initial five, reconsider our player rotation, get through to the mid-season pause, and then enjoy an extensive period of recuperation.”
Undeniably, the squad’s two standout players, Jokic and Jamal Murray, will require a respite following this game, given Murray’s 39 points over 48 minutes and Jokic’s 30-point triple-double achieved across 45 minutes on the court.
During his initial trio of matchups since returning from a month-long absence due to a knee bone bruise, Jokic had logged 24, 29, and 32 minutes for Denver. However, he expressed feeling fine after his playing time dramatically increased during Wednesday night’s contest, which extended into two overtimes.
“I feel well,” Jokic remarked. “I’m not experiencing fatigue… I believe my body retains a kind of muscle memory [upon returning from injury]. We are accustomed to competitive play.”
Nonetheless, they will once more be compelled to adapt to competing without Watson, another crucial contributor.
“Someone else must rise to the occasion,” Jokic stated. “While it’s a common saying, it genuinely applies here. Therefore, we must be ready.”
“Each individual must embrace their position and contribute positively. Avoid being inactive on the court; instead, play assertively. … When you’re in the game, simply exert maximum effort.”
Watson’s ailment was not the sole injury incurred by Denver on Wednesday; two-way forward Spencer Jones – who reached his maximum allowed games on Wednesday evening and necessitates conversion to a standard contract once Denver creates a roster vacancy by Thursday’s trade deadline – also exited the match to undergo concussion assessment after a head-to-head collision with Karl-Anthony Towns during a first-half drive attempt by New York’s All-Star center.
Towns temporarily departed to address bleeding from his forehead, ultimately rejoining the contest and later fouling out, having registered 24 points and 12 rebounds in 31 minutes on Wednesday. However, Jalen Brunson truly captivated the audience and secured the win for the Knicks, tallying 10 points in the second extra period and concluding with a total of 42 points, 8 boards, and 9 assists, propelling New York to their eighth consecutive triumph.
“Such performance is characteristic of an MVP contender,” remarked Knicks coach Mike Brown. “Under intense scrutiny, playing consecutive nights, he once more demonstrated precisely why his name should be among the initial individuals discussed when anyone brings up potential MVP awardees.”
