As the Denver Nuggets brace for a decisive Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, they’ve been dealt another potential setback.
Forward Aaron Gordon has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain, according to a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, casting serious doubt on his availability for Sunday’s high-stakes showdown.
Gordon has been one of Denver’s most reliable and impactful players throughout the postseason. His two-way presence – blending timely offense with physical, switchable defense – has been essential to the Nuggets’ pursuit of back-to-back championships.
Through six games in this series, he’s averaged 14.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, while knocking down an impressive 45.2% of his three-point attempts.
The injury could not have come at a worse time for the defending champions, who are already walking a thin line health-wise. Michael Porter Jr. has been limited by a lingering shoulder issue, visibly hampering his shooting rhythm and defensive mobility.
Jamal Murray, who gutted out Game 6 despite needing an IV to combat dehydration, has been laboring through the series as well.
Denver has managed to stay afloat with timely contributions from the supporting cast.
Rookie Julian Strawther gave the Nuggets a significant boost in Game 6 with an unexpected scoring outburst, but at 6’6″, he’s undersized to take on Gordon’s defensive assignments against Oklahoma City’s bigger forwards.
That may thrust Peyton Watson into a larger role. While Watson’s offensive contributions have been inconsistent at best, his length, agility, and defensive instincts have offered glimmers of hope in a series that’s been as much about grit as it has been about execution.
If Gordon is either limited or ruled out entirely, Watson may be Denver’s best option to hold the line defensively.
With the Nuggets’ core three – Nikola Jokic, Murray, and Gordon – serving as the engine of their postseason machine, Gordon’s status will loom large over Game 7.
His absence could dramatically alter Denver’s rotation and strategy, especially on the defensive end, where his ability to guard multiple positions is irreplaceable.
Game 7 tips off Sunday, and all eyes will be on whether Gordon can push through the strain or if Denver will have to dig even deeper into its bench.
Given the stakes, even a limited version of Gordon could be a game-changer – if he’s able to take the court at all.
Aaron Gordon Has Hamstring Strain, Game 7 Status In Doubt https://t.co/FzuFaiujM2 pic.twitter.com/eFvY1b9q7y
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 17, 2025
