Watson scores 24 points as Nuggets hold off Raptors to win 106-103 without the injured Jokic

TORONTO (AP) — Peyton Watson scored 24 points, Jamal Murray had 21 and the Denver Nuggets won their first game without injured center Nikola Jokic, beating the Toronto Raptors 106-103 on Wednesday night.

Denver came in 13-23 over the last five seasons when Jokic wasn’t in the lineup but held on down the stretch to end a two-game slide.

The Raptors thought they had sent the game to overtime when Brandon Ingram banked in a 3-pointer at the buzzer, but the basket was overturned after a video review showed the ball was still on his fingers when time expired. Toronto’s late chance came after Denver’s Bruce Brown missed a pair of free throws with three seconds remaining.

Jokic, the Nuggets’ superstar center and three-time MVP, left late in the first half of Monday’s loss at Miami because of a hyperextended left knee. He’ll be reevaluated in four weeks.

The Nuggets were already without starters Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun and Cam Johnson.

Denver’s injury woes worsened when backup center Jonas Valanciunas limped off because of a strained right calf with 4:03 left in the third quarter. Valanciunas finished with 17 points and nine rebounds in 23 minutes against his former team.

DaRon Holmes scored 11 points and Jalen Pickett had 10 as Denver won its fifth straight meeting with Toronto.

Ingram finished with 30 points for Toronto, missing two of seven attempts from distance. Immanuel Quickley scored 22 points and Scottie Barnes had 20 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists for his eighth career triple-double and second in three games.

RJ Barrett had 17 points for Toronto but also missed a late 3-point attempt that would have tied the score.

Nuggets: At Cleveland on Friday night.

Raptors: Host Atlanta on Saturday night.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Denver Nuggets forward Daron Holmes II (14) drives up court between Toronto Raptors' Scottie Barnes, left, and Raptors guard Gradey Dick (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Toronto on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Toronto Raptors forward/center Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) shoots over Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valančiūnas (17) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Toronto, Wednesday Dec. 31, 2025. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) tries to get around Toronto Raptors guard Ochai Agbaji (30) during first half NBA action in Toronto on Wednesday Dec. 31, 2025. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valančiūnas (17) jumps towards the basket as Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) defends during first half NBA action in Toronto on Wednesday Dec. 31, 2025. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) moves around Toronto Raptors forward/guard RJ Barrett, right, during first half NBA action in Toronto on Wednesday Dec. 31, 2025. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — San Antonio center Victor Wembanyama left Wednesday night's rematch with the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter after suffering an apparent left leg injury, but returned to the bench in time to see the Spurs win 134-132.

Wembanyama took to the court after the game to gleefully lead the newest Spurs tradition that he created — having the crowd clap their hands after each bang of the drum by the 7-foot-4 center, who finished with 31 points and 13 rebounds in 24 minutes.

Wembanyama went to the locker room with just under 11 minutes remaining, but returned to the Spurs bench with 1:22 left in the game. He was alone and walking without a limp when he returned.

It was a welcome sight for the Spurs after some tense minutes.

Wembanyama leaped to gather an offensive rebound over Knicks enter Karl-Anthony Towns with 10:32 left in the game and lost possession when he landed. Replays showed there was no contact, but Wembanyama’s left foot slid forward and his knee appeared to hyperextend.

Wembanyama remained on the court while New York went on offense. Spurs forward Kelly Olynyk intentionally committed a foul so the Spurs could check on Wembanyama. Spurs guards Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox helped Wembanyama get up before he hobbled straight to the locker room unassisted.

Wembanyama was heard yelling “I'll be back" several times to the fans as he ran through the tunnel toward the locker room while emphatically throwing his hands down.

San Antonio trainers, doctors and general manager Brian Wright followed Wembanyama to the locker room.

The Knicks had beat the Spurs 124-113 on Dec. 16 to win the NBA Cup.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates a basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) goes to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) blocks a shot during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns, right, is fouled as he drives against San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant (11) and Spurs center Victor Wembanyama during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, left, tangles with New York Knicks players Mohamed Diawara and OG Anunoby during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)