The Denver Nuggets entered Round 2 of the playoffs riding the momentum of a hard-fought (4-3) Round 1 series win over the Los Angeles Clippers. They opened strong with a thrilling (121-119) victory in Game 1 against the Thunder, but the tables quickly turned in Game 2. Despite a solid 17-point performance from Nikola Jokic, Denver couldn’t match OKC’s offensive explosion and they fell (149-106).
With the series now tied (1-1), only one question looms large: whether Aaron Gordon will suit up for the Nuggets tonight, May 9.
Gordon’s Status vs. The Oklahoma City Thunder
There’s good news for Nuggets fans. According to Nuggets’ latest injury report, Gordon is not listed, meaning he is available for tonight’s pivotal Game 3.
The only player listed as “out” for Denver is DaRon Holmes II, who has been sidelined since before the playoffs even began. Holmes’ continued absence is not expected to have any real impact on Denver’s rotation.
Gordon’s availability is a significant boost, especially given his injury-plagued regular season. The athletic forward struggled to stay healthy throughout the campaign and was limited to 51 games. Despite the setbacks, he made his presence felt when on the court, averaging 14.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 0.5 steals per game.
Once the postseason arrived, Gordon flipped the switch. He played every game in the first-round series against the Clippers, stepping up his performance when it mattered most. He averaged 18.9 points and 5.7 rebounds in that series, helping Denver secure the win and advance to the next round.
Neither in Round 2 has his impression faded much. In the first two games against OKC, Gordon has been a steady man averaging 16.0 points and grabbing 9.5 rebounds per game. His size, athleticism, and two-way play will be key in the attempt of Nuggets to slow down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, the young stars of Oklahoma City tonight.
Gordon Sheds Light on Thunder’s Physical Play
It’s no secret that Jokić has been a consistent target of physical play throughout the recent playoffs. This has become a strategic approach for the Oklahoma City Thunder who are leaning heavily on physicality to slow down the Nuggets’ star.
What makes the situation even more frustrating for Denver is the lack of timely officiating. Despite the physical nature of the matchups the referees have failed to make consistent calls. This issue came to a head in Game 2 when Jokić fouled out in the third quarter.
After the game Gordon didn’t hold back. He openly criticized the level of physicality Jokić has had to endure, pointing out the imbalance in how the game has been officiated.
“If they’re going to let them push him and shove him or put two hands on him, root him out, the knees, elbows, and all types of stuff they’re doing to him, that’s not necessarily legal, there’s not much that you can do. Jok got to play through it. If they’re not going to call it, then they’re not going to call it.”
“They’re fouling the guy. … They’re calling the second foul almost every time. They’re fouling Joker first, and then Jok is reactionary, and they do get the second guy a lot of the time. But they’re fouling him — point blank, period — throughout the game. It’s a thing where you can’t call every foul or you’d be calling a foul every single play, but they are fouling him,” said Gordon after Game 2 of the 2nd Round.
With the series now heating up, things won’t get any easier. According to ESPN’s latest injury report, the Thunder continue to field a fully healthy squad. As the Nuggets look to take the lead on May 9, Jokić and Gordon will need to remain focused and resilient to withstand OKC’s physical pressure.