Every time the Nuggets fans rejoice in seeing Aaron Gordon in the starting five, things go south for the forward. Things started on a high note for Gordon with the first points of the night via a corner three against the OKC Thunder. But just after seven minutes, tragedy struck as Gordon left the game, not to return to the proceedings as the Nuggets fell to the top West seed team.

According to the team, he was deemed questionable to return due to calf tightness on Sunday afternoon. The Denver side eventually lost 127-103. In those 7 minutes spent on the hardboard, Gordon scored 5 points, with Russell Westbrook coming in to fill in for him. Westbrook could only contribute 4 points despite getting 11 boards in 31 minutes. The Nuggets missed Gordon’s shooting and rim protection. In 37 games this season, AG has proved to be an efficient shooter from beyond the arc with 44% accuracy and shooting over 51% from the field.

Following the game, Michael Malone was asked about the extent of Gordon’s injury but the Nuggets HC was unable to provide any real update without talking to the medical staff. The former Magic star has been struggling with his calf throughout the season, allowing him to only start 28 games. With the Thunder rematch coming up on Monday, Gordon’s availability now becomes an issue for the 2023 champions.

With the OKC Thunder far ahead at the top seed, the Nuggets are chasing the 2nd spot in the Western Conference. But the loss dealt a major dent to their aspirations.

Nuggets lose 2nd seed to Lakers as Aaron Gordon’s absence takes a heavy toll

The game between the two MVP contenders was the highlight of Sunday afternoon. The Nikola Jokic vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander battle was evenly poised, going into the final quarter with an 86-83 score in favor of the Oklahoma side. But the final quarter turned into one-way traffic in Gordon’s absence.

SGA finished the game with 40 points with 15/32 shooting from the field. His free throw percentage was a perfect 100 thanks to an 8/8 conversion. Nikola Jokic, on the other hand, scored 24 points, fresh off his historic performance against the Suns on Friday. The game, however, had some controversial moments. Michael Malone received a tech due to his furious protest after Chet Holmgren’s presumed foul on Russell Westbrook. The replay did show the OKC center’s hand, making contact with Westbrook’s face, who went down after the contact.

The Lakers’ loss to the Celtics on Saturday night put the Nuggets in the second seed going into the OKC tie. But the loss has now sent them back to the 3rd spot again. They will face off on March 14, giving them the chance to creep up the table. LeBron James’ injury could worsen the Lakers’ form and the Nuggets have the chance to capitalize on that. Aaron Gordon’s injury could become an issue, but Westbrook starting has been a positive for Malone’s men this season. The same could continue and, if they take care of business on their end, the Nuggets could secure the second seed over the Lakers. With the final stretch for the playoffs set to turn chaotic, Gordon’s need becomes a priority. But the question now remains over the future following this injury.