Denver, Colorado – Russell Westbrook contributed 29 points to the scoreboard, while Peyton Watson provided a crucial blocked shot in the final moments, securing a tight 124-122 victory for the injury-depleted Denver Nuggets against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. This match marked the Thunder’s first defeat of the season.

Nikola Jokic had a remarkable performance, registering 23 points, 20 rebounds, and 16 assists, as the Nuggets fought back from a significant 16-point deficit during the third quarter. Christian Braun also made a notable contribution to the team’s success, adding 24 points to the tally. The Nuggets faced challenges without key players, including power forward Aaron Gordon, who is sidelined due to a strained calf muscle, and point guard Jamal Murray, who is in concussion protocol.

After missing a pair of free throws with just 16 seconds left, Watson redeemed himself by blocking a shot from a driving Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the clock ran out, preserving the win for his team. Gilgeous-Alexander ended the night with 28 points, while Jalen Williams led the Thunder with a well-rounded performance that included 29 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.

One major takeaway from the game for the Thunder was their defensive struggle; they allowed a staggering 69 points in the second half, despite entering the game with the lowest points allowed average in the league at 95.9 per game. On the Nuggets’ side, they exhibited a few moments of tension, earning a technical foul on Westbrook and coach Michael Malone. However, they managed to maintain their composure during the crucial final moments of the match.

A key moment came when the Nuggets trailed 108-106, then surged ahead with a 17-7 run to take charge of the game. Young players Julian Strawther and Watson were instrumental during this critical stretch. Statistically, it is worth noting that for the seventh time in eight games, the Nuggets found themselves outscored in the first quarter, with a score of 32-30 against the Thunder.

Looking ahead, the Nuggets are set to face the Miami Heat at home on Friday, while the Thunder will begin a six-game homestand that same night against the Houston Rockets.