Despite taking a hit on Sunday against the San Antonio Spurs, the Denver Nuggets received positive news on Aaron Gordon’s status as he was cleared to play in Monday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Gordon, who has battled two right hamstring injuries this season, has appeared in just 35 games so far. He is currently averaging 16.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. In Denver’s 137-132 overtime victory over the Blazers, Gordon delivered a strong performance with 23 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.
However, unlike their 136-134 overtime win against the Spurs, Gordon was limited to 31 minutes in Monday’s contest. Nikola Jokic once again led the Nuggets, posting an impressive stat line of 35 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists, and five steals.
Aaron Gordon Shares Injury Update
After the game, Gordon addressed reporters about the incident against the Spurs, where he was seen limping in the second half. He explained that it was simply the result of knee-to-knee contact and nothing more serious.
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Following back-to-back games in which he played a combined 72 minutes, the Arizona product delivered encouraging news for Nuggets fans.
“I feel good,” Gordon said, confirming that his calf is okay. He reiterated that the limping from the previous game was due to routine knee-to-knee contact.
The Nuggets have been heavily impacted by injuries throughout the season. At one point, Jamal Murray was the only healthy starter, with Jokic, Gordon, Cameron Johnson, and Christian Braun all sidelined.
Peyton Watson stepped up impressively as a second option during Gordon’s absence, only to suffer his own right hamstring injury later.
Jokic Wasn’t Initially a Fan of Gordon’s Acquisition
When the Nuggets acquired Aaron Gordon from the Orlando Magic midway through the 2020-21 season, Nikola Jokic was not immediately supportive of the move. The Nuggets had just reached the Western Conference Finals in the bubble but fell short against the Lakers, and Jerami Grant departed for Detroit in free agency.
With Paul Millsap aging, Denver traded Gary Harris, R.J. Hampton, and a future first-round pick to bring in Gordon. Jokic later revealed he was emotional about losing Harris, with whom he had developed a strong on-court connection.
“I remember saying goodbye to Gary,” Jokic said. “I cried because I was so sad. We had a little bit of a good connection, and we played really good.”
Five years later, Gordon has become a cornerstone of the Nuggets’ success, playing a key role in their 2023 NBA championship. He has carved out an ideal role alongside Jokic in the frontcourt and even developed a close friendship with the Serbian star. Gordon helped Jokic secure a signature shoe deal with 361 Degrees and once visited Serbia to spend time with him off the court.
With Gordon confirming he feels good after the latest scare, the Nuggets appear to have dodged a major bullet heading into the final stretch of the season.