Denver Gazette beat writer Vinny Benedetto takes you around the NBA and inside the Nuggets locker room: NBA Insider NORTHGLENN – There was a little bit of pain and a whole lot of joy surrounding Peyton Watson in the Raising Cane’s parking lot Tuesday night. Watson teamed up with the res taurant to give away 100 bikes and helmets to members of A Precious Child, a nonprofit that helps local children in need. The 23-year-old wing showed up despite leaving Monday’s win over the Rockets in the middle of the first quarter with a right trunk contusion. “He’s a tough kid, so when he called for the sub and fouled, you knew it wasn’t good,” Nuggets coach David Adelman said postgame. “But (it’s) nothing long term as far as I understand.” Watson confirmed as much, though the laughs he shared with the recipients came with a cost. He said he caught a knee somewhere between his ribs and hip. There’s no structural damage, but his availability for Thursday’s game against Orlando will likely be a pain-tolerance issue. “It was really hard for me to move and run on it,” Watson said. “It really is painful. When I laugh, when I cough, I can always feel it. It’s just in a sticky spot but nothing major.” There were a lot of smiles and laughs at the event, which included an appearance from Santa Claus. Kids rode their bikes throughout the parking lot, and Watson was happy to pose for photos and sign autographs for those who showed up. “I wanted to reach out to some of the kids in Denver. After hearing about this event and them reaching out to me to be a part of it, it was something I absolutely wanted to be a part of,” Watson said. “I love to be a part of it.” The fact that bikes were the big giveaway proved to be a full-circle moment for Watson. “I want to say it was when I was like 5 or 6 years old. My grandpa got me a red BMX bike. It was literally one of the most original and nostalgic memories I have of Christmas. It’s funny that we would come here and be giving away bikes. That was literally like the epitome of my Christmases in childhood,” Watson said of his favorite gift. “I don’t know what it was about it, but I loved it.” Now, a hundred or so kids around Denver can relate. Denver Nuggets wing Peyton Watson signs Jaiden Lopez’s jersey at a bike giveaway Tuesday in Northglenn. (Vinny Benedetto, Denver Gazette) What I’m Thinking The All-Star Game selection should be a given at this rate, but Jamal Murray is almost on pace to join an even more selective club. The players who have shot 50% from the field, 40% from 3-point range and 90% on free throws while making at least 300 field goals, 82 3s and 125 free throws in a season consists of Larry Bird (twice), Dirk Nowitzki, Mark Price, Reggie Miller, Steve Nash (four times), Kevin Durant (twice), Stephen Curry, Malcolm Brogdon and Kyrie Irving. That’s quite the company. After scoring 35 points on 9 of 17 from the field, 3 of 5 from 3-point range and 14 of 15 at the line, Murray is shooting 50.1% from the field, 44.7% from 3 and 89.6% at the line. “I don’t know,” Murray said, searching for an explanation for his most efficient shooting season to date. “I’m just playing my game. I think I’ve flirted with it before. I’m glad I’m in that range.” Heading into the season, Murray’s best marks were 48.1% from the field in 2023-24, 42.5% from 3 that same season and 90.5% from the line in 2017-18, his second professional season. The only missed free throw came with 18 seconds left in regulation with the Nuggets and Rockets tied at 115. He made the second, later tied the game with 2 seconds left in the fourth quarter with a single free throw after Amen Thompson was called for a foul before the ball was inbounded and sunk his final two to give Denver a six-point lead with 47 seconds left in overtime. “I was frustrated at that one,” Murray said. “That was a blow, but I got it back.” Nuggets guard Jamal Murray goes past Houston center Alperen Sengun and guard Josh Okogie to make a reverse layup in the first quarter of a game at Ball Arena on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. (The Gazette, Jerilee Bennett) What They’re Saying Both starting centers – Nikola Jokic and Alperen Sengun – posted triple-doubles Monday. That’s a first for the NBA. “The NBA is in such a good place right now,” Adelman said. “The skill set on some of these guys is outrageous the way they can shoot it, pass it, handle it.” That has led to a lot of comparisons between the two. Jokic isn’t the biggest fan of that conversation. “He’s definitely a talented player. He has amazing low-post footwork, both shoulders, both arms. He’s really good in the pocket,” Jokic said of his Houston counterpart. “He’s still young, so I think he needs to be recognized as Alperen Sengun, not whoever people are comparing him to.” To counter some of the Rockets’ size, Jokic and Jonas Valanciunas closed the first and third quarters on the court together Monday. It was the first time in a while Adelman used a two-big lineup. Afterward, the Denver Gazette asked Jokic about that lineup’s development. “Of course, you need a little bit more playing time, but I think we respect each other’s talent or respect each other’s space. We’re going to figure it out. I think it’s something different. Why not? I think if we are both together on the floor we can be really good screeners for the guys,” Jokic said. “I think it can be interesting.” What I’m Following Rockets coach Ime Udoka is going to split with some money. After Monday’s loss in Denver, Udoka said two of the officials didn’t belong and criticized crew chief Zach Zarba for “acting starstruck.” The NBA acknowledged there were three missed calls that favored Denver in the final minutes of overtime. Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg made a bit of history Monday. Flagg scored 42 points, the most by an 18-year-old in NBA history, in Dallas’ loss to the Jazz. Flagg turns 19 later this week. The Knicks and Spurs played for the NBA Cup championship in Las Vegas for what might be the last time Tuesday. According to an ESPN report, the NBA is considering a new site, citing a lack of “energy and enthusiasm,” for the games in Sin City. ...read more read less