With their survival on the line, the Denver Nuggets turned the gears against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Unlike the last game, this one came as a team effort. But while they did force a Game 7, the Nuggets might have suffered a huge loss. At the end of what was an intense fourth quarter, Aaron Gordon came off limping. The Nuggets forward grabbed his hamstring, raising concerns and doubt at the worst time possible.

The Nuggets haven’t had enough time to assess the ailment. Gordon couldn’t continue to play the final minute of the quarter. And as tests will be conducted in the coming days, head coach David Adelman isn’t feeling confident about the former Magic forward being available for the series decider.

“Nuggets interim coach David Adelman says concern about Aaron Gordon’s hamstring is “high,” but he didn’t know any specifics,” ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported.

The high-flying forward has become an integral player for the Nuggets. His leap in these playoffs has been remarkable. Aaron Gordon has come up with two game-winners and has been a huge influence on Denver’s defensive transformation. The 29-year-old is the third-leading scorer for Denver, averaging 17.8 points during the playoffs.

It also adds to the injury concerns that already lie within the Nuggets. Michael Porter Jr. has a “4-6 weeks” injury on his left shoulder. His shooting ability is severely affected by the same. Jamal Murray pushed through an illness to play tonight. And now, Aaron Gordon is added to the long list of injured starters.

Without him, the Nuggets are going to have a really tough time trying to limit the Thunder’s offense. He will likely be replaced by Julian Strawther or Peyton Watson. Those young players do play with great energy and vigor. But replicating Gordon’s synergy with Nikola Jokic and his tenacity could be a major loss if he misses Game 7.

The Nuggets are in deep trouble without Aaron Gordon

Gordon isn’t the first NBA player to suffer a hamstring injury during the playoffs. Notably, the Warriors saw their season come to an end because their talisman, Stephen Curry, went through the same. In the 37-year-old’s case, he decided to be cautious because it was the first time he had suffered an injury in his hamstring. With his age, even a slight reaggravation could majorly derail his career.

In Aaron Gordon’s case, it’s unlikely that he won’t push if he can. A slight hamstring injury isn’t going to keep Aaron Gordon on the sidelines for the game that decided the Nuggets’ playoff fate. It is only if he absolutely can’t participate that the 29-year-old athletic forward will sit out.

And for the Nuggets, that could significantly affect their chances for a Game 7 on the road.

Gordon’s partnership with Jokic and polished three-point shooting elevate their offense. But defensively, he has been huge. Jalen Williams being quiet for much of the series is largely due to Gordon’s defensive pressure. He has held the slithering forward to shooting just 4 for 14 when guarding him.

Gordon is also partly responsible for keeping Cjet Holmgren at bay with his versatility. He’s held the towering center to a measly 33.3% shooting. Both of the Thunder stars are yet to make a single three-pointer when being marked by Aaron Gordon.

Likewise, as the lead defender, the Nuggets will need to find a replacement or devise an alternate strategy to contain the Thunder’s sizzling offense. Without Gordon’s resistance, doing so under the thick pressure at the Paycom Center won’t be easy. However, if he is indeed unavailable, they will have no choice but to try their best.