Aaron Gordon is playing through a persistent calf injury that Denver Nuggets interim coach David Adelman acknowledged carries risk every time the forward exerts himself on the court. Adelman said Gordon's current level of play would likely not happen during the regular season due to the need to manage the lingering issue.
"It's the ultimate day-to-day," Adelman said before the team's series opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder. "He's taking a chance every time he explodes and jumps." The injury caused Gordon to miss 31 games and come off the bench for nine others during the regular season, including a re-strain in December.
Despite the ongoing discomfort, Aaron Gordon had a standout performance in the Nuggets' first-round series victory over the LA Clippers. He averaged 18.9 points, an increase over his regular-season average, contributing offense and providing formidable defense against Kawhi Leonard.
Gordon's performance included hitting a buzzer-beating alley-oop in Game 4 to tie the series. He followed that by leading the Denver Nuggets in scoring during the decisive Game 7 win. His ability to exploit mismatches and push opponents off their preferred spots proved key for Denver.
Adelman praised Gordon's effort throughout the first round. "How good was he in Game 7? So efficient. Did so many small things," Adelman said. "All time series from Aaron Gordon."
The Nuggets now face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round. The schedule presents a challenge, with only one day between the Game 7 win and the start of the next series, and subsequent games also spaced one day apart.
While the quick turnaround limits recovery time, the team's situation, including David Adelman had been promoted to interim head coach late in the season, adds layers to the postseason run. Gordon's ability to continue performing at a high level despite the calf issue will be important for Denver's prospects in the series.
Adelman noted the risk involved but also what Gordon provides. "We know what he's doing for our team," Adelman said.
