Watson Leads Nuggets Past Raptors 106–103 Despite Jokic’s Absence.

The Denver Nuggets earned a narrow 106–103 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night, winning their first game since losing star center Nikola Jokić to injury. Peyton Watson led Denver with 24 points, while Jamal Murray added 21 in a resilient team effort. Entering the matchup, Denver had struggled historically without Jokić, posting a 13–23 record over the past five seasons when he was sidelined. Despite that trend and several other injuries, the Nuggets managed to hold on late to snap a two-game losing streak.

Toronto appeared to force overtime when Brandon Ingram banked in a three-pointer at the buzzer. However, after officials reviewed the play, the basket was waved off because the ball was still in Ingram’s hand when time expired. The Raptors had one final opportunity after Denver’s Bruce Brown missed two free throws with three seconds remaining. Jokić, a three-time NBA MVP, exited Monday’s loss to Miami with a hyperextended left knee and is expected to be reevaluated in four weeks. Denver was also missing key starters Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Cam Johnson.

The Nuggets’ injury troubles continued when backup center Jonas Valančiūnas left the game in the third quarter due to a strained right calf. Valančiūnas, facing his former team, finished with 17 points and nine rebounds in 23 minutes. DaRon Holmes scored 11 points and Jalen Pickett chipped in 10 as Denver won its fifth consecutive game against Toronto.

For the Raptors, Ingram led all scorers with 30 points, while Immanuel Quickley contributed 22. Scottie Barnes recorded his eighth career triple-double with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists. RJ Barrett added 17 points but missed a potential game-tying three-pointer in the closing moments.

Denver will next travel to Cleveland on Friday night, while Toronto returns home to host Atlanta on Saturday.