Sport

Aaron Gordon Set to Play in Crucial Game 7 for Nuggets Against Thunder

2025-05-18

Author: Ling

In an electrifying turn of events, Aaron Gordon refuses to bow out of the high-stakes Game 7 for the Denver Nuggets against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite struggling with a hamstring injury, Gordon has been cleared to hit the court.

Sources from ESPN confirm that after testing his injured hamstring during warmups, Gordon will be stepping into the starting lineup on Sunday. This decision comes even as reports indicate he’s nursing a Grade 2 hamstring strain that typically requires several weeks of recovery.

The urgency of the situation is palpable, as the Nuggets look to secure their advancement in the playoffs. However, Gordon's injury raises looming questions about his future availability, especially for a potential match-up against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals.

Standing at 6'8", Gordon has proven indispensable for the Nuggets, averaging 16.8 points per game and shooting an impressive 38.2% from three-point range this postseason. His pivotal role was highlighted in the first round when he heroically sealed Game 4 against the Los Angeles Clippers.

However, with Gordon limited, the pressure intensifies on teammate Michael Porter Jr., who is grappling with his own injury—a left shoulder sprain. Despite his challenges, Porter must rise to the occasion, especially with fans and analysts alike expecting more from a player with a nearly $36 million contract.

Porter has admitted that his performance hasn’t met expectations, stating, "A lot of the reason we lost is because I'm not helping contribute. That’s tough. I'm evaluating how I can better support the team." Despite the Nuggets securing a victory recently, Porter recorded only 10 points in a crucial game, raising further concerns about his impact.

As the Nuggets gear up for this critical matchup, all eyes will be on Gordon and Porter, both of whom need to deliver if Denver hopes to claim victory and move on in the playoffs.