Nuggets have discovered their championship X-Consider Nikola Jokic's absence

When Nikola Jokic went down with a knee harm earlier this month in opposition to the Miami Warmth, many thought that the Denver Nuggets’ season was doomed. Luckily, it was introduced that Jokic would solely miss 4 weeks as a result of his harm, which was an enormous sigh of reduction for the Nuggets group. 

Many anticipated Denver to fall within the Western Convention with out their MVP. Given the stacked state of the West, and that changing somebody of Jokic’s caliber is sort of inconceivable, the considered the Nuggets remaining afloat was wishful considering.

They’ve carried out simply that. They’ve gone 9-5 within the 14 video games Jokic has missed and are nonetheless the third seed within the West. They’re two and a half video games away from the fourth-place Rockets. Denver’s depth has been capable of shine because of the nice teaching of David Adelman, however one participant has taken middle stage.

Peyton Watson has been an revelation for the Nuggets

Previous to this season, Watson was a primarily seen as a defensive specialist. He was not adequate offensively to play important minutes, however when you wanted vitality and athleticism on the defensive finish, he might offer you spot minutes. This season although, Watson has advanced in an enormous approach. 

The younger ahead is having a career-season throughout the board. He’s averaging almost 15 factors per recreation, 5 rebounds, and one steal per recreation on 51 p.c from the sector, and 42 p.c from three-point vary on about 4 makes an attempt per recreation. Denver has a +8.5 web score with him on the court docket this season.

Since Jokic has gone down although, Watson is averaging 22 PPG, six rebounds, and three assists. He additionally has a true-shooting proportion of 61 p.c throughout that span. He has remained environment friendly even with the elevated on-ball function. 

Watson appears a lot extra comfortably offensively. His leap shot has enormously improved, however he has proven off an improved deal with, and is attending to his spots a lot simpler. He’s doing all of this whereas remaining a high-level defender. He’s changing into the true two-way ahead that Denver has been lacking during the last couple seasons, outdoors of Aaron Gordon.

Watson has lastly realized his potential and due to that, he has firmly entrenched himself into the Most Improved Participant dialog. If he can maintain this up when Jokic comes again, the Nuggets change into that rather more harmful and Watson could possibly be the X-factor for his or her championship goals.