On January 22, 2026, the Denver Nuggets secured a hard-fought 107-97 victory over the Washington Wizards, despite being without key player Nikola Jokic due to a hyperextended left knee. Peyton Watson led the charge with a career-high 35 points, showcasing his exceptional scoring ability. Jamal Murray contributed 24 points, and the team avoided a three-game losing streak. Jonas Valanciunas made his return after a 11-game absence, scoring 16 points, while Aaron Gordon also added 16 points. The Wizards, on the other hand, suffered their eighth consecutive loss, with Kyshawn George scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds, and Tre Johnson contributing 19 points. Washington's poor shooting percentage of 38.1% (32 of 84) further contributed to their struggles. The game saw a back-and-forth battle, with the Wizards tying the game at 83-all in the fourth quarter. However, Denver responded with a decisive 9-0 run, with Watson's clutch 3-pointer and jumper, followed by a free throw that put the game out of reach. The Nuggets' next challenge awaits as they travel to Milwaukee on Friday night, while the Wizards will look to snap their losing streak when they visit Charlotte on Saturday night.
