The Denver Nuggets secured a 119-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6, avoiding elimination. However, their chances in the upcoming Game 7 might be significantly impacted after forward Aaron Gordon sustained a left hamstring strain late in Thursday`s contest. His availability for Sunday`s decisive Game 7 is now reportedly uncertain, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
The injury occurred with less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Oklahoma City`s Chet Holmgren stripped the ball from Gordon, who then pursued it. Alex Caruso dove for possession and attempted a pass, which Gordon managed to kick. Immediately afterward, Gordon grabbed his hamstring and appeared to be in considerable pain.
Gordon remained on the court for approximately 35 more seconds of play before going to the bench with 1:10 left. He briefly re-entered the game before being substituted out again for the final moments.
Following the game, interim Nuggets coach David Adelman was asked about his level of concern regarding Gordon`s status heading into Sunday`s Game 7.
“At this point, I have no idea. It would obviously be high,” Adelman stated. “Aaron is one of our key players; he`s a significant reason we`ve won games, won series, and have a championship banner hanging.”
Adelman mentioned it was too soon to know the full extent of Gordon`s injury but noted that the two full days off before returning to action would be quite beneficial. According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, Gordon did not have a wrap or any ice on his hamstring when media members were allowed in the locker room postgame.
“It`s really helpful to have two days for all the players to receive treatment and attend to various issues. I haven`t gotten a clear answer yet. He`ll get checked out,” Adelman explained. “But I truly mean this, having two days off – wow, this has felt like a marathon. The guys in there seem happier about having Friday off than they are about heading to a Game 7. It`s going to be truly welcome. It`s great to have two days to get everyone ready for a Sunday matinee. Concern for Aaron is very high. He has played through a lot throughout this entire season, so we`ll see how he is.”
Gordon has been absolutely vital to the Nuggets throughout this postseason, especially with fellow starting forward Michael Porter Jr. nursing a shoulder injury. Before Game 6, he was averaging just under 18 points per game and provided arguably the best defense on Denver`s roster.
Furthermore, he has made arguably the three biggest shots for the team in the postseason so far: a buzzer-beating putback dunk in Game 4 against the Clippers, the game-winning three-pointer in Game 1 against Oklahoma City, and the game-tying three-pointer in Game 3 versus the Thunder that forced overtime, a game Denver ultimately won.
If he is hindered or sidelined, Denver suddenly needs to replace approximately 40 minutes of production from a bench unit that has struggled considerably throughout the season. While Julian Strawther had an impressive 15 points on Thursday, and Peyton Watson can offer some similar defense and cutting ability that Gordon provides, this roster is extremely thin. Losing Gordon would be a devastating blow for Denver, so the Nuggets are now left hoping that the injury is not as severe as it initially appeared.
Jasper Hawthorne