The Denver Nuggets are facing a critical moment as they prepare for Sunday’s Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but the status of power forward Aaron Gordon casts a shadow over their hopes. Gordon is dealing with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, which typically necessitates several weeks of recovery, making his availability for this pivotal matchup highly unlikely.
Known as a key player for the Nuggets, Gordon has been desperately searching for ways to contribute, especially after he played such an impactful role in their playoff run. However, after exiting late in Game 6 — a hard-fought battle that extended the series — he now finds himself in a race against time.
The Nuggets initially held some optimism when Gordon participated in a walkthrough on Saturday, giving a hint of potential readiness. Nonetheless, interim coach David Adelman has stressed a cautious approach, emphasizing that the team would assess Gordon’s condition on Sunday before making any final decisions. As it stands, he is listed as questionable on the NBA’s injury report, throwing the Nuggets’ game plan into uncertainty.
Gordon’s contributions to the Nuggets’ championship run last season have been monumental. He’s averaging a career playoff-best 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game this postseason, entering every game as a player capable of making clutch plays. His importance has been underscored by the Nuggets’ flawless 5-0 record in games where he has scored at least 20 points.
Beyond just scoring, Gordon’s playmaking has been impressive as well, evidenced by the seven assists he dished out in Game 6, matching a personal playoff high. He has a knack for rising to the occasion, highlighted by clutch moments this postseason, including a buzzer-beating putback dunk against the LA Clippers in Game 4 and a critical 3-pointer with just three seconds left in Game 1 against the Thunder. Moreover, he forced overtime in Game 3 when he knocked down a timely three with 28 seconds left in regulation, showcasing his ability to step up when it matters most.
It’s worth noting that Gordon’s journey hasn’t been free of challenges; injuries limited him to just 51 games during the regular season, a result of managing a right calf strain that caused him to miss significant playing time.
As the Nuggets gear up for Sunday, they’ll also be keeping an eye on the health of their guards, with Jamal Murray listed as probable due to illness and Russell Westbrook nursing a right hand sprain.
The stakes could not be higher: the winner of this do-or-die matchup will secure a place in the Western Conference finals, set to face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. The potential absence of Gordon would be a significant blow to Denver, putting even more pressure on the rest of the roster to step up in his absence. The Nuggets will be hoping for the best while preparing for a battle that could define their postseason journey.
