Peyton Watson’s timing couldn’t have been better almost a year later in a very similar situation against the same star player.
The Denver Nuggets’ forward, known for his leaping ability, blocked a shot from Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the final seconds to secure the Nuggets’ 124-122 victory over the Thunder on Wednesday night.
This was a big difference from last December when Gilgeous-Alexander hit a game-winning turnaround jumper with just one second left over Watson’s outstretched arms in Denver.
Watson hasn’t forgotten that moment.
He won’t forget this one, either. His crucial block came right after he missed two free throws with 16 seconds remaining, which could’ve sealed the game for the Nuggets.
“I was like, ‘I have to rectify this. I have to get this back,’” Watson said about his mindset on defense. “Luckily, I was in a position where I could help my team and help us save the game. But definitely super nerve-wracking. Should have made my free throws, for sure.”
After the game on Wednesday, Watson’s thoughts went back to that moment on Dec. 16 when Gilgeous-Alexander’s shot helped the Thunder complete their comeback victory.
Watson was just happy he got a chance for some revenge as the Nuggets handed the Thunder their first loss of the season.
“I never stopped thinking about it,” Watson said. “I never, ever stopped thinking about it. I’m one of those guys who prides myself on any late shot clock or game situation, I’m not the guy to really go at.
(Gilgeous-Alexander) got the best of me that time. He’s an amazing player, one of the front runners in the league for MVP. So, I mean, he’s all that for a reason.”
Watson played a key role in helping the Nuggets come back from a 16-point deficit in the third quarter. He scored six of his 10 points in the fourth quarter and also had three blocks.
What stood out to Nuggets coach Michael Malone, however, was how Watson didn’t get discouraged after missing the free throws. Instead, he focused and got back on defense.
“That’s what you love about Peyton Watson,” Malone said. “That was a huge, huge block, obviously. I’m proud of him for recovering after the free throws.”
The shorthanded Nuggets really needed Watson’s performance, especially with power forward Aaron Gordon (strained calf) and point guard Jamal Murray (concussion protocol) both out.
Denver also got strong contributions from a group of young players, including Christian Braun, who scored 24 points, and Julian Strawther, who added nine points.
“You hope it gives them more and more confidence,” Malone said, referring to the young players stepping up in big moments. For Watson, it certainly seems to have boosted his confidence.
“I’ve never just had anything given to me on a silver platter,” Watson said. “So for me, it was just all about earning my keep. You’ve got to keep putting in the hard work to stay where you’re at and maintain. It’s just about developing game-by-game.”
This block will definitely be one Watson remembers.
“It felt good,” Watson added, “to be able to get a little bit of get-back tonight.”
