The Denver Nuggets are facing a challenging situation as they prepare for Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with Aaron Gordon, a key player, strained and doubtful to participate due to a left hamstring injury. With Gordon’s absence, the Nuggets find themselves as 8.5-point underdogs, raising concerns about their chances to advance in the playoffs. The team is shifting its mindset from “We Believe” to “We Have Serious Doubts.”
This postseason, Gordon, alongside Jamal Murray and MVP candidate Nikola Jokic, has emerged as a crucial player for the Nuggets. Historically, the team tends to struggle when Jokic scores 40 or more points, holding a record of 5-7 in those games. However, his statistics in elimination matches are commendable; he averages 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, which reflects his capability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
The narrative has taken an intriguing turn as the NBA MVP award will not be announced during the game, leaving room for speculation and excitement surrounding Jokic and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The matchup is likened to a dramatic showdown where both players seek to assert their dominance and elevate their teams’ performance.
The Nuggets are looking not just to Jokic but also to Murray, known for his reliability in pivotal situations. Murray has consistently averaged 27.3 points and, with an extra day of rest, is expected to play a significant role in filling the void left by Gordon. The team will also be counting on emerging talents like Julian Strawther and Peyton Watson to contribute meaningfully in what promises to be a high-stakes battle.
Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook stands out as the unpredictable wild card in the equation. Despite recent struggles, he remains a player capable of turning the game on its head, which adds an interesting layer to the contest. The Nuggets may need to find ways to exploit any weaknesses in Westbrook’s performances to seize their opportunity for an upset.
In summary, the Nuggets face an uphill battle without Gordon, yet their core players have a chance to shine. With the right contributions and strategy, they could potentially move past the Thunder to keep their championship aspirations alive. As the series continues to build excitement, fans will be watching closely to see how these dynamics unfold on the court.