Despite getting banged up on Sunday against the San Antonio Spurs, the Denver Nuggets cleared Aaron Gordon to play Monday’s game versus the Portland Trail Blazers.
Gordon, who has had two right hamstring injuries this season, has only played in 35 games. He’s averaging 16.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. He had 23 points, nine rebounds and five assists in the Nuggets’ 137-132 overtime win against the Blazers.
But unlike in their 136-134 OT victory against the Spurs, Gordon was limited to just 31 minutes on Monday. Nikola Jokic led the way for Denver, finishing with 35 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists and five steals.
Gordon Shares Injury Update
GettyAaron Gordon #32 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Gordon was asked about what happened against the Spurs and why he was limping in the second half.
It was not something concerning, with Gordon explaining that it was a knee-to-knee contact, as per Brendan Vogt of DNVR Sports.
And after playing 72 total minutes in his last two games, the Arizona product dropped some good news for the Nuggets and their fanbase.
“I feel good,” Gordon said.
The Nuggets have been ravaged by injuries this season. At one point, Jamal Murray was the only healthy starter, with Jokic, Gordon, Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun all out.
Peyton Watson stepped up and turned into a reliable second option during Gordon’s absence before suffering his own right hamstring injury.
Jokic Wasn’t Initially a Fan of Gordon’s Acquisition
GettyAaron Gordon #50 and Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets celebrate their win against the Los Angeles Lakers during game one of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.
Midway through the 2020-21 NBA season, the Nuggets were trying to build a contender after making it to the Western Conference Finals inside the bubble. They fell short against the Los Angeles Lakers, and Jerami Grant left to join the Detroit Pistons in the offseason.
Paul Millsap was getting older, so the Nuggets front office pulled the trigger on acquiring Gordon from the Orlando Magic.
Speaking with Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, Jokic revealed that he wasn’t a fan of the trade at first because he was close to Gary Harris. The Nuggets traded Harris, R. J. Hampton and a future first-round pick to Orlando.
“I remember saying goodbye to Gary,” Jokic said. “I cried because I was so sad. We had a little bit (of a) good connection, and we played really good.”
Fast forward five years, and Gordon has remained in Denver. He has been vital to the franchise’s historic success, which included a championship in 2023. He found a perfect role for his specific skill set alongside Jokic in the frontcourt.
Gordon also developed a friendship with Jokic, whom he helped sign a signature shoe deal with 361 Degrees. He even visited Serbia to immerse himself with “The Joker” on a personal level.
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