PEYTON Watson delivered the best scoring performance of his career as the short-handed Denver Nuggets defeated Washington Wizards, 107–97, in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season on Thursday night (Friday in the Philippines) in Washington.
Watson poured in a career-high 35 points to spearhead the Nuggets, which snapped a two-game skid and avoided their first three-game losing streak of the season.
Jamal Murray added 24 points, while Jonas Valanciunas and Aaron Gordon chipped in 16 apiece for the Nuggets, which continued to play without two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who missed his 13th straight game because of a hyperextended left knee.
Washington briefly pulled even at 83-all early in the fourth quarter, but Denver quickly regained control with a 9–0 run highlighted by a Watson three-pointer and midrange jumper.
Watson later eclipsed his previous career high of 32 points with a free throw in the final two minutes, sealing the Nuggets’ victory.
Kyshawn George led Washington with a double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Tre Johnson scored 19 for the Wizards, who dropped their eighth consecutive game.
Meanwhile, Naji Marshall tied his season highs with 30 points and nine assists, and Dallas Mavericks beat Golden State 123-115, winning a season-best fourth consecutive game.
Cooper Flagg scored 21 points in 30 minutes in his second game back since missing a pair with a sprained left ankle. Max Christie also had 21 points, and Brandon Williams scored 19 off the bench for the Mavericks.
Stephen Curry scored 38 points and was 8 of 15 from 3-point range on the night the Warriors’ superstar became the first in NBA history to attempt 10,000 shots from beyond the arc. He’s now 4,222 of 10,007 from deep.
In other results, Philadelphia 76ers overcame a strong challenge from Houston Rockets for a 128-122 overtime win, Chicago Bulls bested Minnesota Timberwolves, 120-115; and Charlotte Hornets clobbered Orlando Magic, 124-97./PN
