When Nikola Jokic went down with an injury on December 29, and it was announced that he would miss at least four weeks a day later, the Denver Nuggets were written off. 

Jokic, a three-time MVP and two-time runner-up, was looked at as the engine in Denver, and without him, no one knew how they would be able to survive. 

Enter Peyton Watson. 

In the nine games since Jokic's injury, the Nuggets are 6-3 with Watson averaging 23.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. 

Speaking after a 118-109 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, Jamal Murray praised Watson for his mindset. 

"I just like his mindset. I like where his head is at. I like how he wants to improve and get better. He doesn't touch the ball for numerous possessions and doesn't get too frustrated," said Murray. 

Watson had shown growth in each of his first three seasons in the NBA as he looked to fit in on a team that won a championship in his first season. 

With Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun sidelined for an extended stretch early in the year, Watson got that opportunity. 

In 30 games prior to Jokic's injury, Watson was averaging career highs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. 

"He knows what it is and guys are out there doing their job, and sometimes it be like that. He doesn't let that affect him possession to possession. He keeps it cool and keeps calm for whenever his opportunity arises," said Murray. 

With Jokic out, the opportunity grew much bigger. 

"With this big opportunity arising, he's able to show what he's capable of in different ways. Not just putting the ball in, but how versatile he is," said Murray. 

Watson entered the starting lineup on November 15th against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to an injury to Braun. He contributed with 12 points in the victory, making the most of his chances when they were presented. 

Since then, he's shown steady growth, most notably from three. 

With Jokic on the floor, spacing makes life easier for everyone as he has the ability to make any pass to any open shooter. Watson shot just 29% from three in his second season and 35% from three last season. He averaged two attempts per game each season. 

This year, he's shooting 40% from three on 3.3 attempts per game. In the starting lineup next to Jokic, he was at 43% from deep on 3.4 attempts. Since Jokic has gone down, his percentage has remained unchanged at 43%, but his volume has increased to 5.3 attempts. 

Proving he can knock down open shots and create his own shot on a consistent basis is only going to benefit Watson and the Nuggets when Jokic is back.