Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain that will likely prevent him from playing in today’s Game 7 at Oklahoma City, sources tell Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).
Gordon is still hoping to be active for the series-deciding contest, but Charania hears that it’s “becoming physically improbable to do so” because he’ll need several weeks to fully recover from the injury.
Gordon, who hurt his hamstring late in Denver’s Game 6 victory, participated in Saturday’s walkthrough in hopes of receiving medical clearance, writes Bennett Durando of The Denver Post. He is listed as questionable on the team’s official injury report and was expected to be a game-time decision.
“Obviously, (team medical staff) will do whatever they have to do for the safety of a person. But yeah, I don’t know,” interim coach David Adelman responded Saturday when asked about Gordon’s chances to play. “I’m sure the hoops (to jump through in order to play) are probably smaller because the game’s coming so quickly. It’s not a thing where he has three weeks to go through it. So it’ll probably be his comfortability along with the medical staff’s advice on what he can and can’t do. … If they say he’s available, he will start.”
Durando reports that Gordon was already dealing with the remnants of a calf strain that have been affecting him all season.
If Gordon doesn’t receive medical clearance, Durando expects either Russell Westbrook or Peyton Watson to take his place in the starting lineup. Adelman prepared for both scenarios during the walkthrough.
“You talk about plays you’re gonna run early in the game, actions to attack people. Some other guys took (Gordon’s) ball-handling responsibilities in case (he’s out),” Adelman said. “We know that’s where Aaron is so underrated and impactful, when he brings the ball up the court. So the other guys have to know those simple actions, but they’re not simple if you’ve never done them. So we walked through a lot of stuff today with different people. … But like I said, the hope is the responsibilities will be Aaron’s.”
He is the sole reason Denver hasnt been eliminated yet, so he would be a big loss for them
Jokic is too powerful. Someone got to Gordon. This is troubling. Check his bank account. Follow the money…
STFU
This really sucks for the Nuggets. I really hate to see this, but these injuries seem to be a way of life the last few years in the NBA playoffs.
As with many teams, there’s a guy in the spotlight who needs to step up in these cases. Will Michael Porter Jr get it done today? We shall see.
Damn shame, especially because Gordon has worked so hard time Bach from his past Iinjury, and sis playing the best basketball of his career.
No way he can play at playoff level NBA. Now that is 2 teams going down because of a hammy.
> Now that is 2 teams going down because of a hammy.
Gordon’s is a Grade 2, indicating it happened suddently. Probably unavoidable.
Steph’s hamstring injury was diagnosed as due to “overuse”. Too many minutes, in too many games, not enough rest in-between. It’s not necessarily preventable, but, as Steph said in his exit interview yesterday, he will be resting more next season.
Who diagnosed Curry’s injury from “overuse?” Some Internet doctor?
Curry was injured because Kuminga and Moody are bad
From 2013 to 2025
Warriors have 3 lottery picks
Wiseman Kuminga Moody
Who is in charge of lottery picks for Warriors?
Crazy that shams said that nugs will look to rely on strawther and Watson in Gordon’s absence, and didn’t mention Westbrook, after how Westbrook stepped up during the regular season when Gordon went down a month.
Strawther is clearly an MPJ filler, while Westbrook & Watson can help carry the physicality load that Gordon brought.
I think the nugs win this if MPJ plays under 30 mins again.
Grade 2 is 2-3 months recovery, at least it was for me.