The Denver Nuggets were able to push the No. 1-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder to a Game 7 after a massive Game 6 win on Thursday night.
There was one major issue in the loss, though, as Aaron Gordon suffered an injury that was visibly bothering him.
The Nuggets forward was seen continually reaching for his hamstring after suffering the injury late in the 119-107 win.
Gordon has been brilliant in the second-round series for Denver, too. The NBA champion nailed a game-winning 3-pointer in Game 1 and has converted 45% of his shots from deep through the six games.
While Nikola Jokic is remarkable, having captured three of the past four MVP trophies, the Nuggets needed his supporting cast to step up.
Just like in Denver's 2023 title run, Gordon is one who has stepped up.
The hamstring strain could be pivotal, though. While Gordon was optimistic after the game, he hadn't yet had time to know the severity of the injury.
May 13, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter of game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
May 13, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter of game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
On Friday, ESPN's Shams Charania provided an update.
"Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain and his status is in doubt for Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder," Charania reported. "Major development heading into Sunday's 3:30 pm ET game on ABC for a Western Conference Finals berth."
The two sides square off on Sunday afternoon for a shot at a Western Conference Finals berth -- where the winner will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves -- though being without Gordon will certainly hinder the Nuggets' chances of doing so.
Whether or not Gordon is able to go, stellar play from Jokic and Jamal Murray might be enough to propel the Nuggets past the Thunder, especially if guys like Julian Strawther, Christian Braun or Michael Porter Jr. are able to step up in a major way.