Nikola Jokic Issued Warning to Aaron Gordon During Nuggets' Playoff Run

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated May 19, 2025 3:13 PM ET

Aaron Gordon had a career-best playoff run. He averaged 16.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game while shooting 38% on 3-pointers to help the Denver Nuggets to the second round.

The Nuggets, led by interim head coach David Adelman, surprisingly pushed the No. 1-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder to Game 7 in their second-round matchup.

Gordon was key in the Nuggets' success, providing key help to Nikola Jokic, though disaster struck when he suffered a grade 2 left hamstring strain in Game 6.

The injury takes weeks to heal, though Gordon was ready to do whatever it took to play in Game 7 and try and help his team advance to the Western Conference Finals.

The Nuggets forward played through his injury, which immortalized him among the fanbase, though he was warned against playing by Jokic.

“I told [Gordon] not to play. You can injure yourself even worse," Jokic said after the Game 7 loss. "You can see that he was struggling, hard to move, this and that. But he went out there to fight with us. We can just appreciate it.”

Nikola Jokic says he told Aaron Gordon not to play in Game 7:

“I told him not to play. You can injure yourself even worse. You can see that he was struggling, hard to move, this and that. But he went out there to fight with us. We can just appreciate it.”

(via @Eurohoopsnet) pic.twitter.com/mZONo0Ywxa
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 19, 2025

Gordon and Jokic are both tough, physical players who have battled minor injuries, bumps and bruises to remain on the hardwood with their teammates.

While it didn't end up being enough, the Nuggets -- both the organization and fanbase -- won't forget Gordon's appearance on the injury during the run.

Had Denver gotten past the Thunder, they would have had a great shot at winning the title, given the remaining field of teams in the playoffs.

While the Nuggets' future with their current squad is uncertain, Jokic and Gordon are two pieces to build around as the club takes its next steps.

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

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