Peyton Watson Warns NBA After Nuggets' Blowout Win

Denver's young wing believes the healthy Nuggets are unbeatable.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 1:11am

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After missing 19 games due to a hamstring injury, Peyton Watson returned to the Denver Nuggets' lineup on Sunday and helped lead them to a 128-112 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Following the win, Watson issued a warning to the rest of the NBA, stating that the Nuggets are unbeatable when fully healthy.

Why it matters

The Nuggets have been one of the most injury-plagued teams in the NBA this season, with several key players missing significant time. Watson's return, along with the expected returns of other injured Nuggets, could make them a formidable force in the playoffs if they can stay healthy.

The details

In his first game back, Watson scored 14 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and dished out 3 assists in 20 minutes of action. While he was on a minutes restriction and not at his best, Watson's confidence in the Nuggets' potential was on full display. The last time the Nuggets had their full lineup healthy was in the first 11 games of the season, during which they had the NBA's second-best offensive rating, third-best defensive rating, and second-best net rating with a 9-2 record.

  • The Nuggets' win over the Trail Blazers took place on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
  • Watson had been out for 19 games due to a hamstring injury prior to his return.

The players

Peyton Watson

A young wing player for the Denver Nuggets who returned from a 19-game absence due to a hamstring injury.

Nikola Jokic

The star center for the Denver Nuggets who has dealt with injuries this season, along with several other key players.

Aaron Gordon

A key player for the Denver Nuggets who has missed the most games this season due to injury, with 42 absences.

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What they’re saying

“Just do everything the right way. We know that we've got a great team, and it's been a while since we've had our full team. I think when we're healthy, nobody in the league can beat us.”

— Peyton Watson

What’s next

The Nuggets will have ten games remaining in the regular season, including key matchups against the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Phoenix Suns. These games will be crucial for the Nuggets to get their full lineup adjusted and prove they can be a top contender in the playoffs when healthy.

The takeaway

The Nuggets' injury-plagued season has been a major obstacle, but with their full roster finally healthy, they believe they can be the best team in the NBA. Watson's confident message sends a clear warning to the rest of the league that the Nuggets are a force to be reckoned with when at full strength.