The NBA season has already delivered its fair share of twists, and a recent conversation between Zach Lowe and Tim Legler on The Lowe Post podcast brought some of the biggest surprises-and letdowns-into focus. While both analysts brought unique perspectives, one team in particular dominated the discussion: the Denver Nuggets, and what they’ve managed to do without their MVP centerpiece, Nikola Jokic.
Let’s start there. Since Jokic went down with a knee injury in late December, the Nuggets have gone 6-3-a stretch that Lowe called “astonishing.”
And he’s not wrong. Denver hasn’t just been missing Jokic.
They’ve also been without Cam Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas, Christian Braun has only appeared in three of those nine games, and even Jamal Murray has missed three himself. That’s a lot of firepower sitting on the bench.
Yet, somehow, the Nuggets haven’t missed a beat.
The biggest revelation during this stretch? Peyton Watson.
The second-year wing has stepped into a major role and is averaging over 24 points per game during this run. He’s not just filling a gap-he’s thriving in it.
Watson’s blend of athleticism, confidence, and scoring touch has been a spark plug for a team that easily could’ve stumbled without its cornerstone.
But it’s not just Watson. This has been a true team effort.
Tim Hardaway Jr. has had some vintage scoring nights. Jalen Pickett and Spencer Jones have provided steady guard play, while Aaron Gordon, still working his way back to full health, has shown flashes of the two-way force he can be.
Zeke Nnaji has brought energy and rim protection, Bruce Brown’s versatility continues to be invaluable, and even rookies like DaRon Holmes and Hunter Tyson have made meaningful contributions. Denver’s depth has stepped up in a way that should have the rest of the league paying attention.
Lowe didn’t hold back on his praise, either. He said, flat out, that Jamal Murray “has to be in the All-Star Game, no questions asked.”
His playmaking and scoring have been the glue holding this team together, especially in Jokic’s absence. That sentiment echoed something Legler had already said during a recent ESPN broadcast-and it’s hard to argue with either of them.
This wasn’t just a segment about surviving injuries. Lowe went a step further, calling the Nuggets a “juggernaut hiding in plain sight.”
He doubled down on the idea that, when fully healthy, Denver is right there with Oklahoma City as the best team in the NBA. That’s a bold take-but also one grounded in what we’ve seen.
The Nuggets aren’t just staying afloat-they’re asserting themselves, even while shorthanded.
Legler agreed, noting that what once looked like a one-horse race in the West is now shaping up to be a wide-open sprint to the finish. With the Thunder surging, the Nuggets proving their resilience, and other contenders lurking, the playoff picture could be far more competitive than anyone expected just a few weeks ago.
Of course, not every team has lived up to expectations. Legler pointed to the Cavaliers and Pacers as his biggest disappointments so far. He expected Cleveland to be leading the East by now, and while Indiana’s struggles without Tyrese Haliburton are understandable, he still thought they’d be more competitive.
Lowe, meanwhile, didn’t hesitate to name the Clippers as his early-season letdown. Their 6-21 start was nothing short of disastrous. Sure, they’ve turned things around-ripping off 12 wins in their last 14-but that rocky beginning still looms large when evaluating the full picture.
In all, the conversation painted a compelling snapshot of where things stand in mid-January. Denver’s rise without Jokic isn’t just a feel-good story-it’s a reminder of how dangerous this team can be when everything clicks. And if they’re this good without their MVP, imagine what they’ll look like when he’s back.