Despite a Grade 2 hamstring strain sustained in Thursday`s Game 6 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon will play and start in Sunday`s pivotal Game 7. Initially listed as doubtful, a Grade 2 strain typically requires a recovery period of several weeks. By comparison, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry missed four games with a less severe Grade 1 hamstring injury during the second round against the Timberwolves.
Nuggets interim coach David Adelman commented on Gordon`s determination ahead of Game 7, stating, “If Aaron can go, he`ll go. That`s who he is. There`s a real toughness there. Sometimes being really, really tough and being hurt can get in the way.”
Gordon`s contribution has been crucial throughout the Nuggets` playoff journey. His memorable moments include a last-second dunk to win Game 4 against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round, a game-winning three-pointer in the series opener against the Thunder, and another critical three that forced overtime in Game 3. His unique impact on both offense and defense is irreplaceable for the team.
Regarding potential scenarios, Adelman noted, “Aaron is a special player when he initiates, but I think our guys have had repetition… And sometimes, this is what life is. Opportunity comes sometimes when you don`t want it to come. And if he can`t go, we have trust in those guys they get us into actions we need to get into.”
Adelman also highlighted the benefit of having more than a single day`s rest between Game 6 and Game 7, providing valuable extra time for Gordon`s recovery and overall team preparation.
He emphasized the necessity of this rest, saying, “We need it. We`re playing a historical team in a Game 7. A team — 68 wins, the greatest point differential ever, all of the things they`ve accomplished — I guess at this point they`ve won 75 games this year. So we need the rest to play a team this historically good.”
The Denver team lacks significant depth, leaving them with minimal room for error in this crucial matchup. Should Gordon not be able to perform at his peak, the team faces a difficult challenge in Game 7.
Jasper Hawthorne