Peyton Watson replaced an unpleasant memory against the Thunder with a play he’ll be happy to relive.

Prior to the Nuggets’ 124-122 win against the Thunder at Ball Arena on Wednesday, Watson’s mind often reverted to Dec. 16, 2023, the date of last season’s second matchup with the Thunder. With the Nuggets up a point in the final 10 seconds of that game, Watson was tasked with guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was sidelined with an injury.

Oklahoma City’s star drove left in the final seconds, spun back to the middle a step inside the free throw line and sunk a mid-range jumper over Watson’s contest to give the Thunder the win.

“I think about that biweekly. I’m never going to forget that,” Watson said after Wednesday’s game. “I’m a competitor. Every game means a lot to me.”

Wednesday, a night when Watson closed the game with Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon unavailable, went differently. First, Russell Westbrook was the primary defender on Gilgeous-Alexander, who once again started the final sequence with a drive to his left. This time, Gilgeous-Alexander continued toward the hoop and attempted a left-handed scoop shot as Watson offered some late help. Denver’s 22-year-old wing needed every inch of his 6-foot-7 frame and 7-foot wingspan to get a piece of the ball and secure the win after the Thunder comfortably won the first matchup of the season.

“He put it up there so high. I had no idea I was going to be able to get to it, but I kind of just timed it up just perfect and got my fingertips on it. That was enough to alter it,” Watson said.

“It was a big-time play.”

Had Gilgeous-Alexander got his 19th and final shot to drop, it could’ve easily been another tough memory for Denver’s third-year wing. After Gilgeous-Alexander made it a two-point game in the final 20 seconds, Alex Caruso fouled Watson, who missed both of his free throws and left the door open for Oklahoma City.

“He doesn’t drop his head, isn’t in his feelings. He makes a play at the rim against one of the favorites for MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander, with a game-saving block,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said.

“That’s what you love about Peyton Watson, and that was a huge, huge block, obviously. So proud of him for recovering after the free throws and helping us, you know, give them their first loss.”

The game-sealing block was Watson’s third of the game.

“Being young, you’ve got to be resilient, got to find ways to be able to let go of the possession before,” Westbrook said. “P-Wat did that. It was a good job of being ready.”

The last was clearly the most impactful to the win, but the first two were also important. The first came with Denver down 13 early in the third quarter. He tied up Chet Holmgren, the Thunder’s 7-foot-1 center, with a contest from behind and won the ensuing jump ball. Christian Braun hit a 3 on the other end to bring Denver within 10.

Watson’s second block came later in the third quarter in a three-point game. It looked like Alex Caruso had an uncontested layup, but Watson closed the ground and stuffed the Thunder guard. Watson then got out in transition and assisted Michael Porter Jr.’s game-tying 3. The third block continued a three-game streak where Watson, also nicknamed “Swatson” recorded at least three combined steals and blocks. He also added 10 points, three rebounds and three assists, one steal and one fresh memory in 34 minutes of playing time.

“I never ever stop thinking about it,” Watson said of last season’s experience against Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder. “Any late-shot clock, end-of-quarter, end-of-game situation, I’m not the guy to really go at, and I pride myself on that, but he got the best of me that time. He’s an amazing player, one of the front runners in the league for MVP. He’s all that for a reason. He’s nice.”

The same could be said of Watson’s impact on the defensive end.

Murray making progress

After missing the first three games of the Nuggets’ five-game homestand due to a concussion, Jamal Murray has been upgraded to questionable for Friday’s game against the Heat. Aaron Gordon (right calf strain, Vlatko Cancar (right ankle sprain) and DaRon Holmes II (right Achilles tendon repair) remain out.