Aaron Gordon’s Game 7 Return Could Change Everything Against Oklahoma City—Here’s What to Expect
When the Denver Nuggets gear up for their all-or-nothing Game 7 showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder, all eyes were supposed to be on Aaron Gordon’s impact. But then came the buzz: Gordon’s nursing a Grade 2 hamstring strain—typically a drag that keeps players sidelined for weeks. Yet, in a twist that’s both gutsy and eyebrow-raising, he’s slated to start despite injury reports suggesting he might be out for the foreseeable future. There’s a cloud of uncertainty about how much he can move or how effective he’ll be once the ball tips off. No doubt, the Thunder will look to exploit that, pushing him to his limits on the court. Seeing Gordon lace ‘em up under these conditions adds a raw, unpredictable edge to this pivotal contest — a moment where every step, every defensive shuffle, and every sprint might be a gamble. The stakes? Immense. The pressure? Immense-er. And for the Nuggets’ reserves, stepping up has never been more crucial. Let’s dive into the unfolding drama, from the initial reports to the latest updates on Gordon’s status. LEARN MORE
What follows is our story on ESPN’s report that Gordon was unlikely to play on Sunday due to his hamstring.
—————————————-The latest update on Aaron Gordon is sadly a big one. A Grade 2 strain is often referred to as a partial or incomplete tear. Average time lost for G2 hamstring strains in the NBA is ~31 days (11.2 games). Gordon’s 2020 season also ended early following a strain of the same hammy.Gordon strained his hamstring in the final minutes of the Nuggets’ Game 6 win on Thursday, going so far as to check himself out in the final minute. There was concern in Denver about the injury after the game, although Gordon said he would be okay, and he has searched for a way to be able to play Sunday. It just will not be possible. — Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) May 18, 2025
Injury Update ahead of Game Seven against the Thunder:Reality is Gordon has a Grade 2 hamstring strain and not only will he be out for Game 7 but he would need weeks to heal and would miss the Western Conference Finals if the Nuggets advance, reports Shams Charania of ESPN. The reality is he will be out closer to a month.Gordon has averaged 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds a game while playing strong defense in these playoffs, and he hit the game-winning shot in Game 1.
OUT:
DaRon Holmes II (Right Achilles Tendon Repair)#MileHighPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/WFOiuyujMPUPDATE: In the face of a report that Aaron Gordon has a Grade 2 hamstring strain that should sideline him for a month, Gordon will start Game 7 on Sunday and play for the Denver Nuggets in Oklahoma City.
AVAILABLE:
Aaron Gordon (Left Hamstring Strain)
Jamal Murray (Illness)
Russell Westbrook (Right Hand Sprain)
Hunter Tyson (Right Ankle Sprain)— Jeff Stotts (@InStreetClothes) May 18, 2025
Without him, it’s a big ask for Peyton Watson and other Nuggets reserves to step up on a big stage.How well Gordon will move and how well he can play are up for debate, but he will be out there. Expect the Thunder to test him early, dragging him into pick-and-rolls and making him move laterally. Officially, heading into Game 7 in Oklahoma City Sunday, Anthony Gordon is listed as questionable. Denver coach David Adelman talked up how Gordon would go through the morning walkthrough with the team and would be a game-time decision.
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