Imagine the Denver Nuggets pulling off a victory against the Toronto Raptors without their superstar center Nikola Jokic on the court—it's the kind of drama that keeps basketball fans on the edge of their seats, questioning just how deep a team's talent truly runs. But here's where it gets controversial: can any squad really thrive long-term without its MVP anchor? Let's dive into the details of this thrilling matchup and explore what went down in Toronto on that unforgettable Wednesday night.
TORONTO (AP) — In a standout performance that defied expectations, Peyton Watson racked up 24 points, while Jamal Murray chipped in with 21, propelling the Denver Nuggets to a hard-fought 106-103 victory over the Toronto Raptors. This marked the Nuggets' inaugural triumph since the absence of their injured star center, Nikola Jokic.
Published on 1/1/2026 at 3:28:09 AM
By IAN HARRISON — Associated Press
TORONTO (AP) — Peyton Watson delivered an impressive 24 points, Jamal Murray added 21, and the Denver Nuggets secured their first win without the sidelined star center Nikola Jokic, edging out the Toronto Raptors 106-103 on Wednesday evening.
Despite their historical struggles—boasting a mediocre 13-23 record over the past five seasons when Jokic hasn't been available—the Nuggets managed to clinch the game in the closing moments, snapping a brief two-game losing streak. For those new to basketball, a team's record in such scenarios often highlights how reliant they are on key players, making this win all the more noteworthy, like watching a symphony orchestra perform beautifully even minus its lead conductor.
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The Raptors were convinced they'd forced overtime when Brandon Ingram launched a dramatic banked three-pointer as the final buzzer sounded, but upon video review, the play was waved off. This late opportunity arose after Denver's Bruce Brown faltered on two crucial free throws with just six seconds left on the clock. And this is the part most people miss: in high-stakes games, these narrow calls can swing momentum, sparking debates about the role of officiating and technology in deciding outcomes—do you think instant replay should be more lenient or stricter?
Jokic, the Nuggets' phenomenal center and recipient of three MVP awards, exited the action midway through the first half of Monday's defeat in Miami due to a hyperextended left knee. He'll undergo a reassessment in approximately four weeks. To put this in perspective, a hyperextension injury can sideline players for weeks, much like a sprain in any sport, disrupting team dynamics and forcing others to step up unexpectedly.
Adding to Denver's challenges, they were already playing shorthanded without key starters Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Cam Johnson. The situation worsened when reserve center Jonas Valanciunas hobbled off the court with a strained right calf just 4:03 into the third quarter. Valanciunas, facing his old squad, contributed 17 points and nine rebounds in his 23 minutes of play.
DaRon Holmes provided solid support with 11 points, and Jalen Pickett totaled 10 as the Nuggets extended their dominance in this rivalry, claiming their fifth consecutive win against Toronto. For beginners, these contributions show how bench players can become unsung heroes, turning a potential disaster into a comeback story.
On Toronto's side, Brandon Ingram led the charge with 30 points, though he went 5-for-7 from beyond the arc—missing two attempts that might have changed the game. Immanuel Quickley poured in 22 points, while Scottie Barnes dazzled with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists, securing his eighth career triple-double and his second in just three games. A triple-double, for those unfamiliar, is when a player achieves double-digit totals in three of the five major statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks)—it's a rare feat that showcases incredible versatility, akin to a quarterback throwing for touchdowns, running for yards, and making key tackles all in one game.
RJ Barrett chipped in 17 points for Toronto but couldn't capitalize on a late three-point opportunity that could have forced a tie. This near-miss underscores the fine line between victory and defeat, fueling discussions about clutch performances under pressure.
Looking ahead:
Nuggets: They'll travel to face Cleveland on Friday night.
Raptors: They'll host Atlanta on Saturday night.
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What do you think—does relying on one superstar like Jokic make a team vulnerable, or is this just a testament to the Nuggets' depth? Should the NBA implement stricter injury protocols to level the playing field? And about that overturned basket: fair call or a game-changer gone wrong? Share your opinions, agreements, or disagreements in the comments below—let's get the conversation going!
