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DENVER (AP)— On Saturday, the Denver Nuggets conducted a walkthrough practice session that included Aaron Gordon, focusing on their strategy as if he were a key player in their plans.
Now, they await a decision.
The dynamic forward will be assessed at game time due to a strained left hamstring as the Nuggets gear up to battle the top-seeded Thunder in Oklahoma City on Sunday for Game 7.
“The hurdles are likely smaller given the quick turnaround,” Nuggets interim coach David Adelman noted after the practice at Ball Arena. “He doesn’t have three weeks for rehabilitation, so it will come down to his comfort level and the recommendations from the medical team regarding his abilities.”
“If they give him the go-ahead, he will start.”
Stephen Curry, the Golden State star, endured a Grade 1 hamstring strain during the Warriors’ second-round matchup against Minnesota, causing him to miss at least a week—and he didn’t return before Golden State exited the playoffs.
Adelman was uncertain about the severity of Gordon’s strain but mentioned that Gordon appeared to be himself at practice.
“His demeanor is always the same. Aaron tends to move about with that laid-back West Coast vibe,” Adelman quipped. “So it would be hard to tell if he was injured. I truly appreciate his consistent swagger.”
“He looked fine. His spirits were high. So, fingers crossed for his participation.”
The victor of Game 7 will face the Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals starting Tuesday.
Gordon injured his hamstring late in Thursday’s Game 6 victory and expressed in the locker room afterward that it felt “OK.” He also mentioned he was beginning the “recovery process now.”
This adds to the list of injuries for the Nuggets, who have Michael Porter Jr. managing a sprained left shoulder.
The 29-year-old Gordon has been crucial in the playoffs, averaging 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds. He delivered a game-winning dunk in Game 4, helping Denver defeat the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round after a closely contested seven-game series.
Following six tough games, the Nuggets and Thunder are set for their decisive match in Oklahoma City.
Limited to just 51 games during the regular season due to a strained right calf and sprained left ankle, Gordon’s absence would be a significant setback for the Nuggets, who do not have the same depth as the Thunder and usually count on three players from the bench.
If Gordon is unable to play, Denver might start either Peyton Watson or Russell Westbrook, potentially increasing Zeke Nnaji’s minutes. Reserve player Julian Strawther recently scored 15 points in Game 6.
Watson is ready to take on a larger role if needed.
“We know he will try to tough it out and compete,” Watson said. “But if he’s unable to perform at his best, I’m prepared to step in and fulfill whatever is required of me.”
Having experienced a hamstring issue himself before the season, Watson understands Gordon’s struggles.
“It’s challenging. Soft tissue injuries are particularly taxing, and nearly every action can be painful,” Watson shared. “Bending down in a defensive stance, getting out of bed, even brushing your teeth can be difficult. It’s a persistent annoyance.
“I can tell how eager he is to play, and I believe he is completely determined to give his all to be on the court. We are proud of him for that. Regardless of the outcome, we’ll be right behind him, but we’re hoping for his return.”
