Coast-to-coast: Peyton Watson’s career night lifts Nuggets; Mavs, Blazers keep rolling

Peyton Watson posted a career-high as the Denver Nuggets bounced back, with the Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers now matching the Detroit Pistons for the NBA’s longest current winning streak.

WATSON FIRES CAREER-HIGH 35; MAVS, BLAZERS KEEP HUMMING 

• Denver Nuggets (30-15) def. Washington Wizards (10-33), 107-97: Peyton Watson exploded for a career-high 35 points, starring in this latest Nuggets win and helping Denver avoid its first three-game losing streak of the season.

• Portland Trail Blazers (23-22) def. Miami Heat (23-22), 127-110: Shaedon Sharpe erupted for 27 points, leading a trio of Trail Blazers in the 20-point club as Portland surged past the Heat to make it four wins in a row. 

• Dallas Mavericks (19-26) def. Golden State Warriors (25-21), 123-115: Naji Marshall tied his season-highs with 30 points and nine assists, powering the Mavericks to their fourth-straight win while spoiling Stephen Curry’s 38-point showcase.

• Charlotte Hornets (17-28) def. Orlando Magic (23-20), 124-97: Back in the starting lineup, LaMelo Ball orchestrated Charlotte’s offense with 16 points, seven assists, and six rebounds in a commanding Hornets romp of the Magic.

EMBIID DROPS TRIP-DUB VS ROCKETS, CLIPPERS WIN ‘BATTLE OF LA‘

• Philadelphia 76ers (24-19) def. Houston Rockets (26-16), 128-122: Joel Embiid posted 32-point, 15-rebound, and 10-assist triple-double as the 76ers outlasted Kevin Durant and the Rockets in an overtime  thriller. 

[RELATED: NBA: Joel Embiid triple-double help Sixers overcome Rockets in OT]

• LA Clippers (20-24) def. LA Lakers (26-17), 112-104: Kawhi Leonard returned from a three-game absence and scored 24 points in just 25 minutes, spearheading Clippers to their 14th win in 17 games at the expense of rival Lakers.

[RELATED: NBA: Kawhi Leonard returns as Clippers fend off late Lakers rally]

• Chicago Bulls (22-22) def. Minnesota Timberwolves (27-18), 120-115: The Bulls closed out the game on a 16-5 run to secure a thrilling win and extend their streak to three games. 

Coby White led a balanced attack with 22 points, including the go-ahead basket with just 11 seconds remaining that made all the difference for Chicago.

• San Antonio Spurs (31-14) def. Utah Jazz (15-30), 126-109: De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama lit up the court with a combined 57 points, powering the Spurs to a fourth victory in five games against the Jazz.

— 

Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.

Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.