Nuggets Forward Peyton Watson Named NBA Western Conference Player of the Week
DENVER (KKTV) - The Denver Nuggets' forward Peyton Watson has been recognized as the Western Conference Player of the Week for games played from January 5 to January 11, according to the team's announcement. This achievement marks Watson as the 20th different Nugget in franchise history to be named Player of the Week, and the third Nuggets player to win the award this season, joining the ranks of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić.
During the week, Watson showcased his versatility, averaging an impressive 24.5 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.8 blocks in 38.7 minutes. His performance was even more remarkable considering his shooting percentages: 50.0% from the field, 70.0% from three, and 66.7% from the free-throw line. These numbers contributed to the Nuggets' successful week, as they finished with a 3-1 record.
Watson's impact on the court was further highlighted by his ranking first in the West in three-point percentage and fifth in total points. He was one of only three players in the West to achieve a 50% field goal percentage and above 60% from three during the week, demonstrating his exceptional skills and consistency.
The team praised Watson's performance, noting that he had a standout week despite starting the week with an overtime win on the second night of a back-to-back in Philadelphia. Watson's 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two blocks in a season-high 44 minutes were crucial to the team's success. He followed this up with another impressive game in Boston, recording his second 30-point game of the season in just 37 minutes, helping the Nuggets secure consecutive wins on their longest road trip of the season.
According to the team, Watson's performance included several career highs. He averaged 13.2 points, 5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1 steal in 29.1 minutes, shooting 50.3% from the field, 41.3% from three, and an impressive 73.0% from the free-throw line. These achievements solidify Watson's role as a key player for the Denver Nuggets and further establish his potential for future success in the NBA.