The Injury: A Moment That Changed the Game
The injury occurred during a seemingly inconsequential play in the final minutes of Game 6. With the Nuggets comfortably ahead, Thunder guard Alex Caruso pressured Gordon, causing the ball to squib loose. Gordon, attempting to recover it, stuck out his foot, resulting in a kicked-ball violation. As he scrambled, he pulled up, visibly limping and grabbing his left hamstring. He remained in the game for another 35 seconds before being substituted out with 1:10 remaining, briefly returned, and then exited for good. Post-game, Gordon was seen in good spirits, joking with teammates in the locker room, but his comments were measured. “I feel OK. We’ll see. I’m going to start the recovery process now and make sure I’m getting ready for Game 7,” he told reporters.
On Friday, May 16, 2025, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Gordon had been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain, with his status for Game 7 in doubt. By Saturday, an MRI confirmed the injury as a Grade 2 strain, a more severe classification that typically requires several weeks of recovery. Charania noted that Gordon was “searching for ways to play” but that it was becoming “physically improbable.” The diagnosis sent shockwaves through the Nuggets’ camp, as Gordon’s contributions both tangible and intangible have been integral to their postseason success.
Gordon’s Role: The Soul of the Nuggets
Aaron Gordon, affectionately dubbed “the soul of this team” by teammate Nikola Jokić, has been a linchpin for the Nuggets throughout the 2024-25 season and playoffs. The 29-year-old power forward, now in his fourth full season with Denver, brings a unique blend of athleticism, versatility, and clutch performance. His regular season was marred by injuries, limiting him to 51 games due to a right calf strain and a sprained left ankle. Despite these setbacks, Gordon averaged 14.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, signing a four-year, $133 million extension in October 2024.
In the postseason, Gordon has elevated his game, averaging 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 48.5% from the field and 38.2% from three. His impact in the Thunder series has been even more pronounced, with 14.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, including a career-high seven assists in Game 6. Beyond the numbers, Gordon has delivered in clutch moments. He sank a game-winning 3-pointer with 2.8 seconds left in Game 1 against the Thunder, securing a 121-119 victory. In Game 3, his 3-pointer with 26 seconds remaining forced overtime, paving the way for a Nuggets win. Earlier in the playoffs, he made history with the first game-winning, buzzer-beating dunk in NBA postseason history in Game 4 against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Defensively, Gordon has been a stalwart, often tasked with guarding the opponent’s best wing or forward. In the Thunder series, he has effectively neutralized Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams, holding him to 24% shooting over the last three games, including a 3-for-16 performance in Game 6. The Nuggets are 5-0 this postseason when Gordon scores 20 or more points, underscoring his importance to their success.
The Hamstring Strain: A Daunting Obstacle
Hamstring strains are notoriously tricky injuries, particularly in high-stakes scenarios like a Game 7. Nuggets reserve Peyton Watson, who suffered a hamstring strain during the preseason, described the pain vividly: “It hurts to do anything. It hurts to bend over in a defensive stance. It hurts to get out of bed. It hurts to brush your teeth in the morning.” A Grade 2 strain, as reported for Gordon, involves partial tearing of the muscle fibers and typically requires 4-8 weeks of recovery. For comparison, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry missed four games with a milder Grade 1 strain during the 2025 playoffs, effectively ending their season.
The Nuggets’ roster depth, or lack thereof, amplifies the potential impact of Gordon’s absence. Unlike the Thunder, who boast a deep and versatile lineup, Denver relies heavily on its starters and a limited bench rotation of three players: Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther, and Russell Westbrook. If Gordon is unable to play or is limited, the Nuggets face the daunting task of replacing his 38-40 minutes of production, both offensively and defensively.
Peyton Watson, a 22-year-old wing, is the most likely candidate to step into Gordon’s role. Watson’s length and athleticism make him a capable defender, but his offensive contributions have been inconsistent. He missed the entire preseason due to a hamstring strain and understands the physical toll of the injury. “I know how much [Gordon] wants to play, and I think he has 1,000% intentions of going out there,” Watson said. “But should he not be able to go out there and be himself, I’m ready to step up.”
Julian Strawther provided a spark in Game 6, scoring 15 points off the bench, but his smaller frame makes him less suited to fill Gordon’s forward role. Russell Westbrook, a probable starter in Gordon’s absence, has struggled in the latter half of the series, and his fit alongside Jokić and Murray remains uneven. Zeke Nnaji could see additional minutes, but his role has been marginal this postseason. Adelman acknowledged the challenge, noting that the team prepared “Plan B” scenarios during Saturday’s walkthrough, with different players assuming Gordon’s responsibilities. “Opportunity comes sometimes when you don’t want it to come,” he said.
The Stakes: A Trip to the Western Conference Finals
Game 7, set for 3:30 p.m. ET on May 18, 2025, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, is a high-stakes showdown. The winner will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals, beginning Tuesday, May 20. The Thunder, with a historic 68-win regular season and the best point differential in NBA history, are favored, especially with home-court advantage. The Nuggets, as an eight-point underdog, face an uphill battle, particularly if Gordon is sidelined.
Denver’s resilience has been a hallmark of their playoff run. Despite injuries to Gordon, Michael Porter Jr. (sprained left shoulder), and Jamal Murray (illness in Game 6), the Nuggets have battled back from a 3-2 deficit to force Game 7. Jokić, a leading MVP candidate, remains the team’s cornerstone, averaging 14 rebounds and eight assists in Game 6. Murray’s ability to play through illness and Braun’s playoff career-high 23 points highlight the team’s depth of character, if not personnel.
The Emotional Weight: Gordon’s Resolve
Gordon’s determination to play, despite the odds, reflects his importance to the Nuggets’ identity. His “West Coast swagger,” as Adelman described it, belies a fierce competitiveness. Even while managing a lingering calf strain from the regular season, Gordon has delivered heroic moments, from game-winning shots to lock-down defense. His teammates and coaches have rallied around him, with Watson expressing pride in Gordon’s effort to push through the injury. “We’re all going to be ready behind him, but we’re pushing for him,” Watson said.
Looking Ahead: A Clouded Future
If Gordon is unable to play or is limited, the Nuggets’ chances of upsetting the Thunder diminish significantly. A loss would end their season, while a win could come at the cost of further aggravating Gordon’s injury, potentially sidelining him for the Western Conference finals. Charania’s report that Gordon may need a month to recover suggests that even a heroic Game 7 appearance could have long-term consequences.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, the Nuggets and their fans hold their breath, hoping their high-flying forward can defy the odds. Gordon’s hamstring strain is more than a physical ailment; it’s a test of Denver’s resolve, depth, and championship mettle. Whether he takes the court or watches from the sidelines, Aaron Gordon’s presence or absence will shape the narrative of this pivotal Game 7.
The injury occurred during a seemingly inconsequential play in the final minutes of Game 6. With the Nuggets comfortably ahead, Thunder guard Alex Caruso pressured Gordon, causing the ball to squib loose. Gordon, attempting to recover it, stuck out his foot, resulting in a kicked-ball violation. As he scrambled, he pulled up, visibly limping and grabbing his left hamstring. He remained in the game for another 35 seconds before being substituted out with 1:10 remaining, briefly returned, and then exited for good. Post-game, Gordon was seen in good spirits, joking with teammates in the locker room, but his comments were measured. “I feel OK. We’ll see. I’m going to start the recovery process now and make sure I’m getting ready for Game 7,” he told reporters.
On Friday, May 16, 2025, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Gordon had been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain, with his status for Game 7 in doubt. By Saturday, an MRI confirmed the injury as a Grade 2 strain, a more severe classification that typically requires several weeks of recovery. Charania noted that Gordon was “searching for ways to play” but that it was becoming “physically improbable.” The diagnosis sent shockwaves through the Nuggets’ camp, as Gordon’s contributions both tangible and intangible have been integral to their postseason success.
Gordon’s Role: The Soul of the Nuggets
Aaron Gordon, affectionately dubbed “the soul of this team” by teammate Nikola Jokić, has been a linchpin for the Nuggets throughout the 2024-25 season and playoffs. The 29-year-old power forward, now in his fourth full season with Denver, brings a unique blend of athleticism, versatility, and clutch performance. His regular season was marred by injuries, limiting him to 51 games due to a right calf strain and a sprained left ankle. Despite these setbacks, Gordon averaged 14.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, signing a four-year, $133 million extension in October 2024.
In the postseason, Gordon has elevated his game, averaging 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 48.5% from the field and 38.2% from three. His impact in the Thunder series has been even more pronounced, with 14.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, including a career-high seven assists in Game 6. Beyond the numbers, Gordon has delivered in clutch moments. He sank a game-winning 3-pointer with 2.8 seconds left in Game 1 against the Thunder, securing a 121-119 victory. In Game 3, his 3-pointer with 26 seconds remaining forced overtime, paving the way for a Nuggets win. Earlier in the playoffs, he made history with the first game-winning, buzzer-beating dunk in NBA postseason history in Game 4 against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Defensively, Gordon has been a stalwart, often tasked with guarding the opponent’s best wing or forward. In the Thunder series, he has effectively neutralized Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams, holding him to 24% shooting over the last three games, including a 3-for-16 performance in Game 6. The Nuggets are 5-0 this postseason when Gordon scores 20 or more points, underscoring his importance to their success.
The Hamstring Strain: A Daunting Obstacle
Hamstring strains are notoriously tricky injuries, particularly in high-stakes scenarios like a Game 7. Nuggets reserve Peyton Watson, who suffered a hamstring strain during the preseason, described the pain vividly: “It hurts to do anything. It hurts to bend over in a defensive stance. It hurts to get out of bed. It hurts to brush your teeth in the morning.” A Grade 2 strain, as reported for Gordon, involves partial tearing of the muscle fibers and typically requires 4-8 weeks of recovery. For comparison, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry missed four games with a milder Grade 1 strain during the 2025 playoffs, effectively ending their season.
The timing of Gordon’s injury is particularly cruel. The Nuggets have played a grueling series against the top-seeded Thunder, with games every other day since the series began. The two-day break between Games 6 and 7 offers a slight reprieve, allowing Gordon additional time to receive treatment. However, with the game just hours away, his participation remains uncertain. Interim coach David Adelman, who has guided the team in the absence of head coach Michael Malone, confirmed that Gordon participated in a walkthrough on Saturday and is officially listed as questionable. “If Aaron can play, he will play,” Adelman said. “It’s probably his comfortability, along with the medical staff’s advice on what he can and can’t do.”
The Nuggets’ Plan B: A Thin Bench Under Pressure
The Nuggets’ roster depth, or lack thereof, amplifies the potential impact of Gordon’s absence. Unlike the Thunder, who boast a deep and versatile lineup, Denver relies heavily on its starters and a limited bench rotation of three players: Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther, and Russell Westbrook. If Gordon is unable to play or is limited, the Nuggets face the daunting task of replacing his 38-40 minutes of production, both offensively and defensively.
Peyton Watson, a 22-year-old wing, is the most likely candidate to step into Gordon’s role. Watson’s length and athleticism make him a capable defender, but his offensive contributions have been inconsistent. He missed the entire preseason due to a hamstring strain and understands the physical toll of the injury. “I know how much [Gordon] wants to play, and I think he has 1,000% intentions of going out there,” Watson said. “But should he not be able to go out there and be himself, I’m ready to step up.”
Julian Strawther provided a spark in Game 6, scoring 15 points off the bench, but his smaller frame makes him less suited to fill Gordon’s forward role. Russell Westbrook, a probable starter in Gordon’s absence, has struggled in the latter half of the series, and his fit alongside Jokić and Murray remains uneven. Zeke Nnaji could see additional minutes, but his role has been marginal this postseason. Adelman acknowledged the challenge, noting that the team prepared “Plan B” scenarios during Saturday’s walkthrough, with different players assuming Gordon’s responsibilities. “Opportunity comes sometimes when you don’t want it to come,” he said.
The Stakes: A Trip to the Western Conference Finals
Game 7, set for 3:30 p.m. ET on May 18, 2025, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, is a high-stakes showdown. The winner will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals, beginning Tuesday, May 20. The Thunder, with a historic 68-win regular season and the best point differential in NBA history, are favored, especially with home-court advantage. The Nuggets, as an eight-point underdog, face an uphill battle, particularly if Gordon is sidelined.
Denver’s resilience has been a hallmark of their playoff run. Despite injuries to Gordon, Michael Porter Jr. (sprained left shoulder), and Jamal Murray (illness in Game 6), the Nuggets have battled back from a 3-2 deficit to force Game 7. Jokić, a leading MVP candidate, remains the team’s cornerstone, averaging 14 rebounds and eight assists in Game 6. Murray’s ability to play through illness and Braun’s playoff career-high 23 points highlight the team’s depth of character, if not personnel.
The Emotional Weight: Gordon’s Resolve
Gordon’s determination to play, despite the odds, reflects his importance to the Nuggets’ identity. His “West Coast swagger,” as Adelman described it, belies a fierce competitiveness. Even while managing a lingering calf strain from the regular season, Gordon has delivered heroic moments, from game-winning shots to lock-down defense. His teammates and coaches have rallied around him, with Watson expressing pride in Gordon’s effort to push through the injury. “We’re all going to be ready behind him, but we’re pushing for him,” Watson said.
Looking Ahead: A Clouded Future
If Gordon is unable to play or is limited, the Nuggets’ chances of upsetting the Thunder diminish significantly. A loss would end their season, while a win could come at the cost of further aggravating Gordon’s injury, potentially sidelining him for the Western Conference finals. Charania’s report that Gordon may need a month to recover suggests that even a heroic Game 7 appearance could have long-term consequences.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, the Nuggets and their fans hold their breath, hoping their high-flying forward can defy the odds. Gordon’s hamstring strain is more than a physical ailment; it’s a test of Denver’s resolve, depth, and championship mettle. Whether he takes the court or watches from the sidelines, Aaron Gordon’s presence or absence will shape the narrative of this pivotal Game 7.
