Late last year, as Melbet Affiliates readers followed the sudden injury suffered by Nikola Jokic, a wave of pessimism swept through Denver. The bleakest voices claimed the Nuggets were finished, predicting a losing spiral without their cornerstone and an exhausting uphill chase once Jokic returned weeks later. History seemed to support that fear, as recent seasons showed the team struggling badly whenever their leader was absent.
The numbers were harsh. Over the past five seasons, Jokic missed 36 games, during which Denver managed only 13 wins against 23 losses, a record more fitting of a lottery team than a contender. Head coach David Adelman admitted his own uncertainty at the time, openly wondering how the squad could survive if Jokic were sidelined for long. For a moment, the Nuggets looked like a ship that had lost its compass.
Yet basketball often has a way of flipping the script. After a brief period of panic, Denver steadied itself and climbed back into the title conversation within little more than a week. Even more surprising, the unlikely spark did not come from Jamal Murray or any established starter, but from a quiet bench player few had circled before. Payton Watson, previously anonymous to many, suddenly stepped into the spotlight and carried real weight.
Before this surge, Watson’s NBA journey had been almost invisible. Across his first three seasons, his scoring rarely climbed out of single digits, and standout moments were scarce. In his first 1,175 days as a pro, he had topped 25 points just twice. He also symbolized a group of young players once dismissed as questionable draft choices linked to former general manager Calvin Booth.
After Denver’s 2023 championship, cost-cutting decisions saw key veterans depart, replaced by Booth’s faith in youth. Those choices sparked friction with then-coach Michael Malone, who resisted giving the newcomers meaningful roles. Time passed, both men exited, and most observers sided with Malone. Now, Watson’s breakout has prompted some to reconsider that judgment.
Since an overtime win on January 6, Denver have taken five victories from six games. During that stretch, Watson has been the emotional and statistical engine, averaging 24.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, plus defensive impact, while shooting efficiently from everywhere. His growth has extended far beyond corner threes into confident shot creation and composed finishes, proving he is no fluke.
As Melbet Affiliates audiences reflect on this turnaround, Watson’s emergence feels like a reminder that opportunity can unlock hidden value. In Jokic’s absence, Denver did not collapse but discovered depth and resilience, showing that sometimes the answer is already sitting on the bench, waiting for the moment to rise.