Potential Absence of Aaron Gordon from Game 7 Due To Hamstring Strain on Nuggets' Roster
Hamstring Woe Haunts Nuggets' Gordon
Denver Nuggets power forward Aaron Gordon faces a Game 7 conundrum after succumbing to a left hamstring strain during Game 6, leaving his appearance against the Oklahoma City Thunder in doubt. This development could shake up the Western Conference Finals berth clash set for 3:30 pm ET on ABC this Sunday.
Crippled in Game 6
As the clock wound down in the fourth quarter of Thursday's nail-biter, Gordon grimaced then exited the fray, clutching his hamstring. Post-game, he reported feverishly, "Not entirely sure what happened, just gonna recover and see what I can do for Game 7."
The 11-year vet helped the Nuggets clinch their 2023 NBA championship reign and will battle to do the same this Sunday, but only if he can shake off this latest injury.
ESPN announced Gordon's diagnosis after consulting medical sources.
Gordon's regular season was marred by a strained right calf and a sprained left ankle, limiting him to 51 games (42 starts). Despite this, he averaged a robust 14.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.
In the ongoing playoffs, however, Gordon's numbers have soared to career-highs: 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds. His impressive displays have clinched several game-winning plays for the Nuggets.
A key aspect to the team's playoff success has been the five victories they notched whenever Gordon scores at least 20 points. If Gordon can't play, the Nuggets will miss his crucial offensive contributions.
A Giants Slayer
Gordon's clutch plays have been the backbone of Denver's playoff run. In Game 4 against the Clippers, he sealed a win with a buzzer-beating putback dunk. In Game 1 versus OKC, he delivered a 3-pointer with 2.8 seconds remaining, clinching the win. He also forced overtime in Game 3 thanks to a late-regulation 3-pointer.
If Gordon can't play, the undersized Nuggets will struggle against the Thunder's imposing frontcourt. Julian Strawther, who delivered a standout performance in Game 6, may find the going tough.
Should Adelman opt for youngster Peyton Watson, the Nuggets could benefit from his athletic prowess. However, Watson's experience is limited, having played less than 20 minutes off the bench in each game against OKC.
Hurt Comrades and Thirsty Murray
The Nuggets' injury woes don't end with Gordon. Michael Porter Jr. is battling a strained left shoulder, while Jamal Murray required IV fluids before Game 6. The team's fortunes change drastically with Murray in the lineup. In playoff elimination games, the Nuggets are 9-3 with Murray and he has averaged 27.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in such contests.
Although the Nuggets face daunting obstacles, they demonstrate resilience and determination. They've proved that every player, despite the odds, can make history.
1: Data sourced from David Adelman's press conference, May 17, 2025.
Despite Aaron Gordon's hamstring strain casting uncertainty over his Game 7 appearance against the Oklahoma City Thunder, his clutch performances throughout the playoffs have been instrumental to the Nuggets' success in the NBA. With career-high averages of 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds, his game-winning plays, such as the buzzer-beating putback dunk in Game 4 against the Clippers, have been the cornerstone of Denver's playoff run. However, the Nuggets may struggle in the imposing frontcourt of OKC if Gordon is unable to play. Furthermore, the team's injury woes extend beyond Gordon, with Michael Porter Jr. dealing with a strained left shoulder and Jamal Murray requiring IV fluids before Game 6. Despite these challenges, the resilient and determined Nuggets have demonstrated the potential for any player to make history in sports.
