When it comes to heart, determination, and grit, Aaron Gordon showed in Game 7 that those qualities can sometimes outweigh injury concerns. Despite suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain just days before the Denver Nuggets’ do-or-die matchup, Gordon made it clear that missing the game was never an option.
“There was never a doubt in my mind,” Gordon said postgame. “I was playing. Simple as that. My teammates needed me, and I was going to be out there with them, no matter what.”
Gordon logged 25 critical minutes in the Nuggets’ Game 7 victory, finishing with 8 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists. He shot an efficient 2-for-4 from the field and went 4-for-6 from the free-throw line. But his impact went far beyond the stat sheet. In a high-stakes game where every possession mattered, Gordon’s defensive presence, rebounding, and leadership provided a much-needed lift.
Coming into the game, the biggest question mark for the Nuggets wasn’t just how they would contain the opposing team’s offense, but whether Gordon—arguably their most versatile forward—would be able to suit up at all. A Grade 2 hamstring strain typically takes 2–6 weeks to heal, depending on the severity. For most players, even jogging at full speed would be a challenge. But Gordon, through treatment, mental preparation, and sheer willpower, pushed through the discomfort.
“It hurt, of course,” Gordon admitted. “I’m not going to lie and say I didn’t feel it. But I told the training staff, ‘Just get me as close as possible to being able to move. I’ll handle the rest.’”
Gordon’s minutes were carefully managed, with head coach Michael Malone ensuring he didn’t overextend himself. Yet, even in limited time, Gordon’s presence was undeniable. He battled in the paint, boxed out aggressively, and played a key role in keeping momentum on Denver’s side—especially during some tense second-half stretches where the game could have swung either way.
“He’s a warrior,” Malone said in the postgame presser. “A lot of guys wouldn’t even think about playing with that kind of injury. But AG’s toughness is unmatched. He set the tone for us tonight.”
Teammates echoed that sentiment. Nikola Jokić praised Gordon’s selflessness and grit, noting that his effort gave the team an emotional boost.
“When you see a guy like that play through pain, you can’t help but get inspired,” Jokić said. “It makes you want to go harder, fight more, leave it all out there.”
Gordon’s decision to play wasn’t just about pride—it was about responsibility. After helping lead the Nuggets to a championship in 2023, Gordon has become one of the emotional anchors of the squad. Even when not at 100%, his presence can steady a locker room and bring energy to the floor.
His performance in Game 7 may not have been a highlight reel of dunks and three-pointers, but it was a masterclass in resilience and professionalism. At a time when modern sports often emphasize load management and cautious recovery timelines, Gordon’s decision stood out as a throwback to the old-school mentality of “if you can walk, you can play.”
Now, as the Nuggets prepare for the next round, questions remain about how Gordon’s hamstring will hold up over a potential seven-game series. But if Game 7 is any indication, Gordon is prepared to fight through anything.
“I’ll keep doing the treatment, doing what I need to,” he said. “But I’m not going anywhere. This is the playoffs. This is what we work all year for.”
Whether or not the Nuggets go on to win it all, Gordon’s Game 7 effort will be remembered as a defining moment of grit and loyalty—one that proves leadership isn’t always about numbers, but about showing up when it matters most.
