Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon is questionable to suit up in Monday’s elimination Game 5 of the team’s first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. After helping Denver win Game 1, 116-105 with a 17-point, eight-rebound performance, Gordon has spent the last three games dealing with a calf injury.
He played Game 2 but was ineffective, finishing with just 8 points on 33.0% shooting. Gordon didn’t play in Game 3. He returned in Game 4, but was limited as he played 23 minutes, tallying nine points on 36.4% shooting. Gordon left the game in the third quarter after he labored all night.
Coach David Adelman said it was unfair to keep Gordon on the floor given his struggles due to the injury.
“It was unfair for me to keep him out there. I felt like he was really laboring in the first half … We’re going to have to decide what we do for Game 5,” Adelman told reporters after Game 4.
Aaron Gordon will be questionable for the third straight game, likely making him a game-time decision. The Nuggets continue listing him due to left calf tightness.
Aaron Gordon’s injury woes partly contribute to Denver Nuggets being down 3-1
The Nuggets trail the Timberwolves 3-1 against all odds amid Aaron Gordon’s injury woes. While he’s not a top-two player on the team, Gordon’s presence in the frontcourt, especially on defense, is crucial to the Nuggets’ success. It helped them secure a Game 1 win, but since his calf injury, Denver’s defense has been inefficient.
Nikola Jokic hasn’t provided any resistance at the rim. Denver is also missing one of its best shot-blockers in Peyton Watson. The perimeter defenders haven’t been able to stop the dribble penetration, either. Even if Gordon plays, it’s unlikely that he’ll be anywhere close to 100%.
With Denver failing to limit Minnesota’s offense, even without Anthony Edwards, who is out for the series after sustaining a right knee bone bruise in Game 4, Gordon’s absence could lead the Nuggets to a season-ending loss on Monday.
