The back-and-forth series between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder rages on. One final tilt after the Nuggets evened the series up at three games apiece on Thursday remains. The score at halftime showed a tight game, but on the backs of Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and stand-out performer Christian Braun, everything comes down to Game 7 in OKC on Sunday. The good news for Denver is that they positioned themselves for an opportunity to advance to the Western Conference finals. The bad news is that Aaron Gordon‘s injury might have taken a hit on the Nuggets’ chances.
Aaron Gordon Injury Could Impact Nuggets’ Game 7 Chances
Denver Nuggets HC David Aldeman expresses concern of Aaron Gordon’s status for series-clinching game
Denver’s head coach David Adleman isn’t sure what Gordon’s availability will be come Sunday. Following the 119-107 Game 6 win on Thursday, the rookie bench boss voiced his concern. Gordon appeared to have injured his left hamstring late in the game. How bad the pull or tweak is is uncertain at the moment. That said, a much-welcomed two-day break is exactly what Gordon could need to lace up for the all-important Game 7.
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Adleman has ‘high’ concern about Gordon but doesn’t have any specific information about the extent of the injury.
Nuggets interim coach David Adelman says concern about Aaron Gordon’s hamstring is “high,” but he didn’t know any specifics. Noted it’s a great time to have two days between games. https://t.co/hMI4CxdO7r
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) May 16, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
OKC catches huge break if Gordon can’t play
These playoffs have arguably played out to be Gordon’s best postseason run of his career. He’s downed two buzzer-beaters and played exceptional defense, all while averaging 17.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. There’s no doubt he’s served as Denver’s best No.3 option so far, as he has been since joining the Nuggets behind Murray and Jokić five years ago. More than ever, though, he’s shone brighter in these playoffs, and Denver desperately needs him the deeper they go.
If Gordon’s injury is severe enough to keep him from Game 7, the Thunder are rewarded with a significant advantage, especially on the offensive end of the floor. Without Gordon’s size and perimeter defense, OKC can move the ball and get shots off nicely with more ease and room to work with. Additionally, the paint opens up, leaving Jokić as the central defender, whereas Gordon usually is there to assist.
Gordon has matched New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson in clutch-time shots and plays this postseason. Denver’s chances to pull out a Game 7 victory are compromised without Gordon, but that’s not to say impossible. Still, his availability opens up the margins much wider. For the sake of Denver’s Western Conference finals hopes, let’s hope Gordon recovers over the next two days in time for what will be an electric final matchup between two of the West’s best teams.
© Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The post Aaron Gordon Injury Could Impact Nuggets’ Game 7 Chances appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.