DENVER (AP) — Peyton Watson's timing was perfect nearly a year later and in a similar late-game situation against the same star player. The Denver Nuggets' high-flying forward blocked a shot attempt by Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the closing seconds to preserve their 124-122 win over the Thunder on Wednesday night. It was in stark contrast to what happened last December in Denver, when Gilgeous-Alexander hit a game-winning turnaround jumper with a second left over the outstretched arms of Watson.
Watson hasn't forgotten that moment. Watson won't forget this one, either. His late swat came right after he missed a pair of free throws with 16 seconds remaining that could've put the game away.
“I was like, ‘I have to rectify this. I have to get this back,’” Watson said of his mentality on the defensive end of the floor. “Luckily, I was in a position to where I could help my team and help us save the game.
But definitely super nerve-wracking. Should have made my free throws, for sure.” After Wednesday's game, his thoughts floated back to Gilgeous-Alexander's winning bucket on Dec.
16, when it was the Thunder who rallied for the win. Watson's just glad he got a measure of revenge as the Nuggets handed the Thunder their first loss of the season. “I never stopped thinking about it,” said Watson, who the Nuggets grabbed at No.
30 through a draft-night deal in 2022 with Oklahoma City. “I never, ever stopped thinking about it. I’m one of those guys w.