The Denver Nuggets’ season has taken another hit with star forward Aaron Gordon exiting Monday night’s game against the Toronto Raptors due to a lower-body injury. This comes as the Nuggets are already grappling with an inconsistent start to the 2024-25 NBA season, and the timing could not be worse. With Jamal Murray already sidelined by a concussion, the last thing Denver needed was another setback.
According to ClutchPoints Nuggets beat reporter Rachel Strand, Gordon left the game at the 7:44 mark of the first quarter, heading back to the locker room with a trainer while favoring his leg. The team’s official account on social media platform X later confirmed that Gordon would not be returning to the game, citing a calf strain as the reason.
Aaron Gordon’s Recent Injury Woes
Gordon had already been listed on the injury report prior to the game, dealing with a right knee contusion and right calf inflammation. Early signs indicate he may have aggravated an existing issue during play.
Observers noted that he seemed to tweak his right leg during a sequence just two plays before Denver opted for a timeout, prompting the decision to pull him from the game.
Peyton Watson was subbed in for Gordon, tasked with trying to replicate the athleticism and defensive versatility that Gordon brings to the frontcourt alongside superstar Nikola Jokic. However, finding a true replacement for Gordon is challenging.
He has become a key piece for the Nuggets since joining in 2021, offering consistent “glue-guy” performances that bind the team on both ends of the floor.
Gordon’s Strong Start to the Season
The 2024-25 season had seen Gordon take on a larger scoring role for the Nuggets, especially in the wake of losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Heading into Monday night, Gordon was averaging 17.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 55% from beyond the arc. This expanded offensive contribution has been a pleasant surprise for the team, giving Jokic another reliable scoring option.
Losing Gordon, even temporarily, threatens to stretch the Nuggets’ already thin roster. Denver’s depth had been a concern going into the season, and with both Gordon and Murray out, the team faces a significant uphill battle to maintain their competitiveness.
Denver Nuggets’ Options Moving Forward
With Gordon sidelined, the Nuggets will likely turn to role players like Peyton Watson and potentially increase minutes for Michael Porter Jr. and other bench contributors. Head Coach Michael Malone may need to experiment with lineups to find combinations that work without the essential contributions of Gordon.
The team’s cohesion will be tested, and the emphasis will likely be on stepping up defensively and sharing scoring duties more broadly.
The Impact of Injuries on the Nuggets’ Championship Aspirations
The Nuggets entered the season with championship hopes, banking on the core of Jokic, Murray, and Gordon. However, with two of these key players now potentially missing multiple games, the team’s path to contending is less certain.
Depth will be a major concern if Gordon is out for an extended period, forcing Denver to look at internal options and possibly explore trade or free agency to reinforce their lineup.
Denver’s ability to weather these setbacks could shape their season’s trajectory and ultimately determine whether they remain among the Western Conference’s top contenders.
Can the Nuggets Overcome the Injury Crisis?
Injuries are a natural part of any NBA season, but for a team already lacking in depth, the Nuggets’ recent misfortunes represent a significant obstacle. If Gordon and Murray can return sooner rather than later, Denver will have a stronger chance of stabilizing and building momentum.
In the meantime, fans will be hoping for breakout performances from the supporting cast, as each game presents an opportunity for Denver’s bench to prove its value.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happened to Aaron Gordon in the game against the Raptors?
Aaron Gordon exited the game against the Raptors due to a calf strain. He had already been listed on the injury report with a knee contusion and calf inflammation before the game.
2. How has Aaron Gordon performed this season?
Gordon has started the season strong, averaging 17.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, with impressive shooting percentages. His scoring contributions have been crucial for the Nuggets.
3. Who replaced Gordon in the game after his injury?
Peyton Watson came in to replace Gordon, providing athleticism and defensive versatility, though he faces a tough task in replicating Gordon’s full impact.
4. What other injuries are affecting the Denver Nuggets?
In addition to Gordon’s injury, star guard Jamal Murray is sidelined due to a concussion, putting further pressure on the Nuggets’ depth.
5. What are the Nuggets’ options moving forward with these injuries?
The Nuggets may increase minutes for bench players like Peyton Watson and Michael Porter Jr., while potentially exploring outside options for added depth if the injuries prove to be long-term setbacks.