Denver Nuggets' Aaron Gordon experiences significant development regarding his hamstring injury ahead of Game 7
Game 7 Showdown: Nuggets vs Thunder
The Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder are gearing up for an electrifying Game 7, with a ticket to the Western Conference Finals at stake. Nikola Jokic has a stellar Game 7 track record, but it's Aaron Gordon who reigns supreme as the team's vital cog.
Gordon's participation in Sunday's game hangs in the balance following a hamstring tweak in Game 6's finale. Interim coach David Adelman revealed that Gordon attended the team's walkthrough without any hindrances, yet the final decision on his play will only be made minutes before tip-off.
With a Grade 2 hamstring strain typically requiring several weeks of recovery, Gordon's status remains uncertain. However, his full participation in practice and Adelman's optimistic comments hint at a potential game-time appearance. Despite the injury, the Nuggets have been creatively preparing alternative strategies if Gordon is ruled out.
Gordon might not be the top scorer next to Jokic and Jamal Murray, but his impact on the offense is immeasurable. He's the team's defensive anchor and has already clinched two game-winners, including one against the Thunder in this series. Without him, the Nuggets will struggle to plug the gaping hole in their lineup that no other player seems capable of filling.
Denver has previous experience in Game 7s, with their first encounter in the 2025 postseason ending in a 120-101 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at home. However, this game will be on foreign turf against a formidable opponent, the Thunder.
Whether he shines in the box score or not, Gordon's contributions are indispensable to the Nuggets' success. Should he fail to feature, Denver will encounter added challenges in stifling Oklahoma City's offense on their journey to the Western Conference Finals for the second time in three years.
Enrichment Data:
Overall:Aaron Gordon's availability for Game 7 between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder is uncertain but leaning toward a game-time decision. He suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain late in Game 6, which generally requires several weeks of recovery and has made him unlikely to play[2][3]. However, Nuggets interim coach David Adelman said Gordon participated fully in Saturday's walkthrough and remains a game-time decision. Adelman noted Gordon "looked normal" in his movements and maintained his usual confidence and swagger, so if he can play, he will[1][4]. The Nuggets have prepared contingencies should Gordon be unable to suit up, but they clearly hope he will take the court given his critical role in the postseason run[2][4]. In summary, although a Grade 2 hamstring strain typically sidelines a player for a significant period, Gordon's participation in practice and coach Adelman's comments keep the possibility of him playing in Game 7 alive, with a final decision expected at tip-off[1][2][4].
Reference Links:[1] https://theathletic.com/2806154/2025/07/02/nuggets-aaron-gordon-hamstring-injury-update/[2] https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35694607/denver-nuggets-aaron-gordon-game-7-hamstring-status[3] https://www.sportsmed.org/sportsmed-journal/the-importance-of-properly-rehabilitating-athletes-with-hamstring-injuries/[4] https://www.nba.com/article/2022/04/07/denver-nuggets-ko-achieving-success-adversity
If Aaron Gordon's hamstring injury allows him to play in Game 7, the Denver Nuggets might have an edge against the Oklahoma City Thunder, given Gordon's critical role in their postseason run. However, should Gordon be unable to compete, the Nuggets will need to adapt swiftly to fill the defensive void that he usually fills.
