Watson Returns, Boosts Nuggets to Victory

Peyton Watson's long-awaited return from injury helps Denver defeat Portland Trail Blazers

Mar. 24, 2026 at 8:08am

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After a six-week absence due to a pulled hamstring, Peyton Watson returned to the Denver Nuggets lineup and helped the team defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 128-112. Watson scored 14 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and dished out 3 assists in 20 minutes of play, as the Nuggets had their full starting rotation and bench available for the first time since November 2025.

Why it matters

The Nuggets have dealt with numerous injuries throughout the season, hampering their ability to build chemistry and consistency. Watson's return, along with the return of other key players like Aaron Gordon, gives the Nuggets their full complement of talent and depth as they make a push for the playoffs.

The details

In his first game back, Watson made an immediate impact, scoring in double figures and providing a boost on both ends of the floor. All five Nuggets starters scored in double digits, led by All-Stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray with 22 points each. The Nuggets' depth was on full display, with Bruce Brown chipping in 13 points off the bench.

  • Watson last played on November 12, 2025, before suffering the hamstring injury.
  • Watson returned to the lineup on March 24, 2026.
  • The Nuggets have 10 games remaining in the regular season.

The players

Peyton Watson

A key two-way player for the Denver Nuggets who missed six weeks with a pulled hamstring.

Nikola Jokic

All-Star center for the Denver Nuggets and one of the team's leading scorers.

Jamal Murray

All-Star guard for the Denver Nuggets and the team's other leading scorer.

Aaron Gordon

Versatile forward for the Denver Nuggets who is one of the team's best defenders and rim protectors.

Ben Tenzer

Part of the new management team that assembled the current Denver Nuggets roster.

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What they’re saying

“It was a great feeling. We were hyped walking out there. The only bad thing about it was there wasn't enough room on the bench. You can't really stretch your legs as much as you're used to. But, nah, it's a great feeling to have everybody out there.”

— Spencer Jones, Nuggets player

“It's a great feeling just seeing P-Wat back, having A.G. back. This is who we are. We're deep. We've got guys that can make plays all over the court offensively and defensively. It's exciting to be back to full strength. We've got to stay there.”

— Cam Johnson, Nuggets player

“It was super exciting, it was hard for me to sleep last night. I was anticipating this day for a long time. You never know what to expect with the rehab process. It was really tough for me at times.”

— Peyton Watson

What’s next

The Nuggets have 10 games remaining in the regular season and will look to solidify their playoff positioning and potentially chase down some teams ahead of them in the standings.

The takeaway

The Nuggets' return to full health, with the long-awaited return of Peyton Watson, gives them their full complement of talent and depth as they make a final push for the playoffs. The team's ability to overcome numerous injuries throughout the season has built valuable chemistry and experience that could pay dividends in the postseason.