Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Nikola Jokic Issues Strong Statement on Aaron Gordon After Game Winner

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated May 7, 2025 2:11 PM ET

The Denver Nuggets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 thanks to a game-winning 3 from Aaron Gordon with 3.0 seconds left in regulation. The Nuggets won by a final score of 121-119. They now have home-court advantage in the series.

Gordon has two game winners in the 2025 playoffs. While the common perception is that Nikola Jokic is the best player on the Nuggets, the three-time MVP believes Gordon is the "soul" of the group.

“He is the soul of this team,” Jokic said about Gordon, via The Denver Post. "He probably doesn’t get as much respect as he deserves. But I think he doesn’t need it.”

Jokic and Gordon are looking to win their second championship together. The Nuggets won the 2023 title against the Miami Heat.

"We've been through a lot with this group," Gordon said after Game 1 of the Nuggets-Thunder series. "We've come from behind in plenty of games. It's not necessarily what we're trying to do, or what we want to do. But we know we've been in that position. ... We have a lot of poise in this group. A lot of grit."

The Nuggets will look to take a 2-0 series lead against the Thunder on Wednesday.

Jokic may have had 42 points and 22 rebounds in Game 1, but Gordon was the talk of the town because of his game winner.

“Aaron’s going to be a hero again," Denver interim coach David Adelman said. "But I’m also looking at 14 rebounds. I’m looking at 22 points. Looking at ball-handling responsibilities, leadership. He is a Denver Nugget, man. Like, he is the soul of our team. So, cool to see him have two moments that no one will forget.”

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

More must-reads: