Game 1 of the Nuggets vs. Clippers playoff series on Saturday delivered every bit of excitement fans could’ve asked for. From Nikola Jokić’s clutch buckets to Jamal Murray’s big shots late in the game, it was a wild overtime showdown that ended in a 112-110 Nuggets win. Jokić and Murray combined for 50 points and helped lead Denver past Tyronn Lue’s tough Clippers squad.
But now, as we get ready for Game 2, fans are wondering: Is Aaron Gordon playing tonight?
Aaron Gordon’s Status vs. the Los Angeles Clippers
According to the latest injury report from ESPN, Gordon is listed as “probable” for Game 2 due to a calf injury he’s been managing all season. While “probable” might sound iffy, it usually means a player is likely to suit up—and Gordon seems ready to go.
“It’s funny. AG’s so talented that you want him in two places at once. He’s a corner 3-point shooter, but he’s also the best guy to have in the dunker, so it’s hard,” Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman said after Game 1.
Gordon showed how valuable he is in that game. He scored 25 points on 8-of-14 shooting, grabbed eight rebounds, had one assist, and picked up two steals.
His strength and defense are key, especially against someone like Kawhi Leonard.
“There were multiple times last night where I was kind of going back and forth. Do I put Russ in the dunker? But he’s a smaller guy, and it’s hard to finish against a guy like Zubac or whoever’s out there—Kawhi.
“AG’s going to finish that. At the same time, AG has shot the ball so fluidly all year long. Those are decisions we’re going to have to make throughout the game,” Adelman added. “It’ll depend on how they’re rotating, how aggressive they’re rotating and is the dunker more important than him taking a wide-open shot?”
The only other name on Denver’s injury report is DaRon Holmes II, who is listed as “out.” His absence shouldn’t impact the Nuggets’ Game 2 plan much.
In the end, Gordon’s energy and hustle were huge in Game 1. Those will be just as important on Monday, April 21, as Denver tries to take a 2-0 series lead.
Important Denver Nuggets Players To Watch in Game 2
As the Nuggets get ready for Game 2, they’ll have their hands full. James Harden and Leonard are both playing at a high level, averaging 22.8 and 21.5 points per game, respectively.
Gordon remains a big contributor for Denver, but the team will continue to lean on Jokić and Murray. Jokić is averaging 29.6 points, while Murray is putting up 21.4 points per game.
During the regular season, the Nuggets and Clippers played four times, splitting the series 2-2. But after Saturday’s win, Denver now holds a 3-2 edge overall. With Jokić, Gordon, and Murray all stepping up, the Nuggets are in a good spot to keep the momentum going in Game 2.