Alexandre Sarr ejected, Coulibaly injured, Wizards beaten by Clippers with record-setting Batum
January 15, 2026
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve
Peyton Watson explodes with 35 points, career-high against the Wizards
Exceptional performance from Peyton Watson who sets a new personal record with 35 points in the Denver Nuggets' 107-97 victory against Washington, despite Nikola Jokic's extended absence.
Jan 22, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8) shoots over Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) during the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Peyton Watson delivered the performance of his young career Thursday night in Washington. The Denver Nuggets forward scored 35 points, his career-high, to lead his team to a crucial 107-97 victory over the Wizards. This remarkable performance allows the Nuggets to avoid a third consecutive loss, which would have been their longest losing streak of the season.
Watson shines in Jokic’s absence
The Nuggets continue to play without their superstar Nikola Jokic, who has missed his 13th consecutive game due to a left knee hyperextension. In this difficult context, Watson took on offensive responsibilities, surpassing his previous record of 32 points with a free throw made with 1 minute 50 seconds remaining, after recovering from a fall during a contested dunk attempt.
Jamal Murray provided valuable support with 24 points, while Jonas Valanciunas returned after missing 11 games due to a calf strain, contributing 16 points. Aaron Gordon also added 16 points to the Nuggets’ collective effort.
THIS is Peyton Watson pic.twitter.com/S5mOJJSLVv
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) January 23, 2026
The Wizards continue to struggle
On Washington’s side, the negative spiral continues with an eighth consecutive loss. Kyshawn George was the most productive with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Tre Johnson added 19 points. Despite these individual efforts, the Wizards never led after halftime.
Washington attempted to come back, tying the game at 83-83 with a free throw from Alex Sarr early in the fourth quarter. But Denver immediately responded with a 9-0 run, with Watson hitting a 3-pointer and another basket during this decisive sequence.
The statistics reflect the Wizards’ offensive struggles, as they posted their lowest shooting percentage of the season with just 38.1% from the field (32 of 84 attempts). With a record of 10 wins and 33 losses, Washington is only one game ahead of Indiana, the Eastern Conference’s last-place team.
Nikola Jokic
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Alexandre Sarr
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Jamal Murray
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Jonas Valanciunas
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Kyshawn George
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With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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