With their backs against the wall, the Nuggets took care of business last night in Denver. They beat the Thunder in Game 6 and tied the series at 3-3. Now, they head to OKC for Game 7, hoping to pull off a miraculous win on the road and keep their season alive. Sure enough, they will need their entire roster at complete strength for the best chance to do it. But a concerning update about Aaron Gordon’s health could put their title dreams in serious jeopardy.

As per veteran insider Shams Charania, “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, sources tell ESPN.” Well, Gordon suffered the injury in the final minutes of last night’s encounter. He dove for a loose ball and immediately began favoring his left hamstring. Understanding the high stakes, he tried to play through the pain but had to be subbed out a few seconds later.

Following the big win, David Adelman addressed Aaron’s unfortunate injury, showing major concerns, “Aaron is one of our guys — he’s the reason why we’ve won games, and won series, and have a banner hanging up in there. Concern for Aaron is so high.”

Further reports revealed that Gordon was in good spirits after the game, and did not have a wrap or ice on his leg. “I feel OK. We’ll see. I’m going to start the recovery process now and make sure I’m getting ready for Game 7.” AG remarked. But Charania’s update confirms that the injury is far worse than everyone initially expected.

If Gordon is unable to suit up on Sunday, it would be a massive blow to the Nuggets. While he is not the team’s biggest superstar, he has played a key role in their playoffs success so far. Gordon has averaged 16.8 points and over seven rebounds in thirteen games. Moreover, his two game winners, one against the Clippers in Game 4 and another against the Thunder in Game 1, were pivotal in keeping the Denver team’s season alive. Also, AG’s absence could ruin Jokic’s plan for Sunday’s crucial encounter.

Nikola Jokic’s Game 7 plan in jeopardy as Aaron Gordon’s injury raises major concerns

Following last night’s win, Jokic was asked what it would take for his team to win Game 7 on the road. So far this season, Thunder and Nuggets have faced each other ten times, splitting the games at five wins each. Talent wise, there is clearly not much separating them. Therefore, Jokic believes it will come down to the little details, “Probably defense. I think probably defense. Details. Rebounding for us, especially because how much they are attacking the glass. Turnovers for us. Depends on how the game opens up.”

He continued, “They (OKC) want to push the pace, they want to drive and find open looks. We kind of want to maybe little bit slower game. Get open looks differently. So, I think it’s interesting to watch. I think the details: defense, box out, turnovers, that’s gonna probably decide the winner.”

But without Gordon on the floor, it will be difficult for the Nuggets to tighten their defense. He has guarded multiple OKC stars throughout this series and been a lockdown defender for Denver. Moreover, his chemistry with Jokic is what makes the Nuggets’ offense look so fluid and seamless.

So, the high flyer’s doubtful status will force Adelman to rethink his whole strategy for Sunday. Do you think Nikola Jokic and Co. can pull off a Game 7 win if Gordon doesn’t play?