A Raw, Unfiltered Take on the Denver Nuggets' Tight Spot
Aaron Gordon's Denver Nuggets' teammate, David Adelman, offers worrisome details regarding Aaron Gordon's injury status.
Man, the Denver Nuggets have sure been fighting tooth and nail all postseason! Their 2024-25 campaign was teetering on the edge of disaster after blowing a 22-point lead in Game 4, barely hanging on to beat the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round. And let's not forget Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals being almost in the Oklahoma City Thunder's grasp, or even Game 3! But hey, luck's a bitch, and Denver pulled through each time, with a big thank-you to Aaron Gordon!
Now here's the rub: fans in the Mile High City are sweating bullets after witnessing Gordon sustain an apparent hamstring injury in the final minutes of Game 6. provocative forward was dribbling the ball when Chet Holmgren knocked it loose, and in the process, Holmgren made some blatant contact with Gordon's body. If the ref had called a foul, things might've been different. Regardless, the focus now shifts to Gordon's condition for Game 7. Head coach David Adelman isn't doling out any rosy prognosis, stating that "concern level is high"[1].
Gordon himself briefed the media that he "feels OK," but we all know that's just Aaron trying to play it cool. In all honesty, this team could really use some good news before the decisive Game 7 on Sunday[2]. If Gordon can't suit up, winning in OKC is going to be one hell of a battle! It's no secret that Gordon's impact has been obvious, especially these playoffs.
When the team needs a clutch play, Gordon has been the go-to guy, with game-winning dunks and 3-pointers to prove it[4]. He's also a solid defender, shutting down opponents like a tight vault[5]. The Nuggets are going to need all the help they can get if they want to upset the 68-win OKC squad in the Paycom Center[2].
If only Christian Braun and Julian Strawther can deliver again in Game 7, the team might just have a chance without Gordon. These guys are galvanizing forces, with Christian incoming 23 points and 11 rebounds, and Julian contributing a big 15-point burst off the bench[2]. This franchise has weathered every storm so far, so doubt should never enter their minds.
But we all know life ain't that simple. Denver will have to keep their fingers crossed that Aaron Gordon can recover enough for Game 7. They're going to need him to weather their biggest obstacle yet.
The Nuggets face an uphill battle in the NBA playoffs without Aaron Gordon, who sustained an apparent hamstring injury in Game 6, especially against the 68-win OKC squad in Game 7. The team will need to rely heavily on Christian Braun and Julian Strawther for crucial contributions, as Gordon's impact has been evident, particularly during the playoffs.