Aaron Gordon hurt his hamstring late in Game 6 vs. OKC, and his status for Game 7 is unclear; coach David Adelman said the concern is "high," while Gordon reassured, "I feel OK. ... We'll see how I feel tomorrow morning."
The Denver Nuggets kept their season alive on Thursday night, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-107 at home to force a decisive Game 7. But the win came at a cost: starting forward Aaron Gordon appeared to suffer a hamstring injury late in the game.
Player of the Game
Nikola Jokic
46
Nikola Jokic
Points
Accuracy
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With under two minutes left in the fourth quarter, Gordon chased a loose ball as Alex Caruso dove to secure possession. Caruso attempted to pass it, but Gordon kicked the ball.
Immediately after, Gordon grabbed at his hamstring and looked to be in significant discomfort. He stayed in the game for about 35 more seconds before heading to the bench with 1:10 remaining.
Gordon briefly returned, but was soon subbed out again for the final stretch.
After the game, Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman was asked about Gordon's status heading into Sunday's Game 7.
"At this point, I have no idea. It would be high, obviously," Adelman said when asked about the level of concern. "Aaron is one of our guys. He's a reason we've won games and won series and have a banner hanging up in there."
Adelman also noted that it was too early to determine the severity of the injury, but added that having two full days off before Game 7 would help.
According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, Gordon was not wearing a wrap or ice on his left hamstring when the locker room opened to the media after the game.
"I feel OK," Gordon said post-game via DNVR Sports. "Let's see. I'm gonna start the recovery process now and make sure I'm getting ready for Game 7."
He confirmed that the injury occurred during the kickball play.
"Yeah, I just reached out. I'm not entirely sure what happened," he clarified. "Like I said, I'm just going to recover, see what I can do in Game 7."
How concerned is he personally?
"We'll see how I feel tomorrow morning," Gordon replied.
Credit AP-SCANPIX
Gordon finished Game 6 with five points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in 38 minutes.
Across 13 playoff games this year, he is averaging 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists — and has already hit two game-winners.
Hamstring injuries have been a theme in this postseason. Steph Curry missed Golden State's second-round series against Minnesota with a Grade 1 strain.
Game 7 between the Nuggets and Thunder is set for Sunday at 3:30 p.m. EST. The winner will face the Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals.
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