The Denver Nuggets are holding their breath as they await a final decision on Aaron Gordon’s availability for a high-stakes Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.
Aaron Gordon Joins Walkthrough Practice, But Still Not Cleared
On Saturday, Aaron Gordon went through a walkthrough session with the team, participating in game-planning activities like he was ready to go. However, the 29-year-old forward is still officially listed as a game-time decision due to a strained left hamstring he suffered late in Game 6.
Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman said Gordon looked like his usual self in practice.
“Aaron kind of saunters around with his West Coast style,” Adelman said with a smile. “You wouldn’t even know if he was hurt. He looked normal. His emotions were good.”
Adelman added that the final decision will rest on how Gordon feels closer to game time, along with the medical team’s advice.
“If they say he’s available, he will start.”
Nuggets Already Battling Injuries
The Denver Nuggets are no strangers to the injury bug this postseason. Forward Michael Porter Jr. is also playing through a sprained left shoulder, and Gordon previously missed time in the regular season with calf and ankle issues.
Despite those setbacks, Gordon has played a key role in the playoffs, averaging 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds. He even delivered the game-winning dunk in Game 4 of the first-round series against the Clippers.
Depth Will Be Tested if Gordon Can’t Go
If Gordon is ruled out, Denver’s depth will be tested against a deep and young Thunder squad. Options to fill in include Peyton Watson or veteran Russell Westbrook in the starting lineup. Zeke Nnaji could also see more minutes, and rookie Julian Strawther, who scored 15 points in Game 6, might be asked to step up again.
Watson, who has dealt with a hamstring issue himself, understands the pain Gordon is dealing with.
“It hurts to do anything,” Watson said. “But we know he’s going to try to tough it out. If not, I’m ready to step up and do whatever is asked of me.”
What’s at Stake
The stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner of Sunday’s Game 7 in Oklahoma City will advance to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals, starting Tuesday.
Gordon said after Game 6 that his hamstring felt “OK” and he would begin the recovery process immediately. Now, it’s all about how much progress he’s made in a short window.
The Nuggets — and their fans — are hoping that will be enough.
