Denver’s Aaron Gordon diagnosed with hamstring strain, questionable for crucial Game 7
Aaron Gordon has a left hamstring strain and might miss Sunday’s winner-take-all Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, dealing a potential blow to Denver’s championship hopes.
The Nuggets forward left Thursday’s must-win Game 6 in the fourth quarter after grabbing his hamstring. When asked about it after the game, Gordon kept it simple.
“Just not entirely sure what happened,” he said. “Just going to recover, see what I can do in Game 7.”
Gordon has been a playoff hero for Denver this year.
He’s averaging career playoff bests with 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Even more telling? The Nuggets are a perfect 5-0 when he scores at least 20 points this postseason.
His clutch play has saved Denver multiple times already. Remember that buzzer-beating putback dunk against the Clippers in the first round? Or the game-winning three with just 2.8 seconds left in Game 1 against OKC?
He even forced overtime in Game 3 with another huge three-pointer in the final minute.
Gordon’s regular season was already disrupted by injuries. He played just 51 games due to a calf strain and ankle sprain, averaging 14.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.
If he can’t go Sunday, Denver will have a serious size problem against the Thunder.
Julian Strawther stepped up big in Game 6, but might struggle against OKC’s bigger frontcourt players. Interim coach David Adelman could turn to Peyton Watson, whose athleticism has given the defense a boost in limited minutes.
The injury bug hasn’t been kind to Denver lately. Michael Porter Jr. is playing through a strained left shoulder, while Jamal Murray needed IV fluids before Game 6.
Murray’s presence will be crucial either way. The Nuggets are an impressive 9-3 with him in playoff elimination games, where he averages 27.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.
Game 7 tips off Sunday at 3:30 pm ET on ABC, with a trip to the Western Conference Finals on the line.
