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Michael Malone Makes Announcement on Aaron Gordon Before Nuggets-Thunder Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Deveney | Last updated Mar 10, 2025 8:21 PM ET

The Nuggets went through a difficult wringer on Sunday, facing off against a Thunder team that is the tops in the Western Conference and was on a six-game winning streak. That streak went to seven games after Denver hung with OKC for three-plus quarters, but was blown away in the final 10 minutes and lost, 127-103.

Monday's reward for undergoing that gauntlet on Sunday: Another game in OKC, the second half of a road-and-road back-to-back for Denver.

It's only getting tougher for the Nuggets, too, as key forward Aaron Gordon is out with an injury he suffered in the first quarter of the loss on Sunday. Gordon, a defensive star who is averaging 13.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists this season, injured his calf in the game.

In his pregame presser, coach Michael Malone announced an update on Gordon.

According to Vinny Benedetto of the Denver Gazette: "Michael Malone says they’ll get more information on Aaron Gordon’s calf once they return to Denver, but the hope is AG will be back in the next few games."

Michael Malone says they’ll get more information on Aaron Gordon’s calf once they return to Denver, but the hope is AG will be back in the next few games.
— Vinny Benedetto (@VBenedetto) March 10, 2025

That's a big boost for a Nuggets team that has had its depth sapped over recent years because of salary concerns. Gordon does not post the biggest numbers, but his contributions on both ends are essential.

Malone has made clear his appreciation of Gordon's skill and work ethic.

“He’s not your normal dude, man. Aaron operates on a different wavelength, but he’s true to himself, which I admire and respect so much. He’s a beautiful person, but he puts time in,” Malone said.

“Whether it’s in our gym, his gym, Aaron puts a lot of time into his jump shot.”

The Nuggets had to adjust the starting five, putting Russell Westbrook into the lineup for Monday's game.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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