Nuggets Edge Rockets in OT, But Injuries Continue to Pile Up
The Denver Nuggets walked away with a gritty 128-125 overtime win against the Houston Rockets on Monday night - a game that showcased the team’s resilience but also underscored a growing concern: the injury bug just won’t let go.
This time, it was Peyton Watson who went down. The promising young wing exited after only five minutes of action due to what the team is calling a right trunk contusion.
Assistant coach David Adelman described it as a “stinger,” suggesting it’s not expected to be a long-term issue. Still, the sight of Watson heading to the locker room early was another gut punch for a team already stretched thin.
With Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun sidelined, Watson had stepped into a bigger role and was making the most of it. He brought energy, athleticism, and - perhaps most importantly - defense.
His ability to switch onto multiple positions and hold his own had been a key piece in Denver’s injury patchwork. Losing him, even temporarily, leaves the Nuggets dangerously thin on the wing.
Running Low on Wing Defenders
Denver managed to survive Monday night without Watson, but the margin for error is shrinking fast. Gordon and Braun are arguably the team’s two best defenders in the starting lineup, and Watson had been the most reliable stopper off the bench. That’s a lot of defensive talent suddenly unavailable.
Now, the pressure shifts to players like Spencer Jones, Cam Johnson, and Bruce Brown. These guys have already been asked to do more than expected, and now their responsibilities are about to increase again. It’s a tall order - especially in a Western Conference loaded with elite wing scorers.
The Nuggets coaching staff will need to get creative with rotations and matchups. There’s no replacing the defensive versatility of Gordon, Braun, and Watson with a single player. It’s going to take a group effort, smart schemes, and maybe a little luck.
Jokic and Murray Keep Denver in the Fight
The good news? As long as Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are healthy, Denver has a fighting chance.
Jokic continues to be the engine that drives everything - orchestrating the offense, anchoring the paint, and doing all the little things that don’t show up in the box score. Murray, when healthy, gives the Nuggets a second star who can create his own shot and carry the offense in crunch time.
But this season wasn’t supposed to be about leaning heavily on Jokic and Murray every night. The front office made a concerted effort to build out the bench and reduce the wear and tear on their stars during the regular season. The plan was working - until the injuries started stacking up.
Now, that vision is being tested. The coaching staff will have to walk a fine line between staying competitive in the standings and keeping their top players fresh for the postseason. That’s easier said than done, especially in a conference where one bad week can drop you several spots in the playoff race.
A Test of Depth and Durability
Injuries are part of the game, and no team goes through an 82-game season unscathed. But for Denver, the timing and concentration of these injuries - all hitting the same position group - are particularly challenging.
There’s still hope that Watson’s injury is minor and that Gordon and Braun aren’t far from returning. If that happens, the Nuggets can get back to their original plan: developing depth, managing minutes, and positioning themselves for a deep playoff run.
But until then, it’s going to be a test of depth, coaching, and resolve. The Nuggets have the talent. Now they need to weather the storm.