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Peyton Watson of the Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets earned a Game 1 home victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday afternoon.

Entering the game as the favorites, the Nuggets appeared quite sluggish at first but were able to shake off the slow start thanks to the spark provided by Aaron Gordon. 

Denver got down by double-digits in the first half but rallied to claim a double-digit lead of its own. The team did a fantastic job slowing down the already laboring Anthony Edwards, who amounted just 22 points on a poor 7-for-19 shooting from the field. 

Meanwhile, Nuggets stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray combined for 55 points; Jokic posted a triple-double with 25 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. 

As the Nuggets prepare for Game 2 and aim to protect home court, they still await a positive update on rising star forward Peyton Watson.

Watson, 23, has been out since last month after suffering a second hamstring strain. 

Denver can only feel better positioned to make a deeper run if it is able to regain Watson’s services. 

Denver Nuggets Searching for Star’s Return

Without Watson in the lineup, it has shoveled responsibility at the feet of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Christian Braun. Fortunately for the Nuggets, both players have been key contributors over the team’s winning streak, which extended to 13 after yesterday’s win at Ball Arena.

Braun was especially impactful in the whopping 36 minutes he played Saturday afternoon. The 25-year-old guard logged 12 points and eight rebounds. He even cashed two of three attempts from the 3-point line, where he has struggled mightily all season.

But the Nuggets know they are better suited with Watson healthy in the lineup. He is a more capable scorer and defender than the other wings on the roster. If he is able to return to the lineup, Watson will certainly provide a two-way boost. 

GettyDenver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson.

For now, Watson is still sidelined. Today, the Nuggets officially ruled Watson out of tomorrow’s Game 2. 

The fourth-year pro has been tagged with hamstring strains on two separate occasions this season. In late March, he reaggravated the initial strain he incurred in early February. 

Monday’s Game 2 will mark Watson’s seventh absence in a row. 

Protecting Home Court an Absolute Must

In the final moments of Game 1, Edwards sat on the bench with an insouciant expression on his face. He’s just 24 but has been on the postseason stage plenty already. He’s gone to two straight conference finals. 

Edwards, who’s still dealing with injury, can be expected to come out sharper and stronger in Game 2. And when the best player has his best stuff, it is often contagious. The Timberwolves will look to come out with more collective energy and intensity. They understand getting even one game in Denver is a major plus. Denver has to play keep away with desperation. 

If the Nuggets drop Game 2, then they surrender home court heading to Minnesota, where the beloved Wolves are tough to beat. 

If Denver wants to welcome Watson back to the lineup this spring, it’ll perhaps at least need to get out of the first round. 

The last time the Nuggets and Wolves met in the playoffs, the Mile High City remembers all too painfully well what happened. 

For now, Denver is still in command after a Game 1 win with the next game right back in front of their home crowd.