The Denver Nuggets host the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Ball Arena on Monday for Game 2 of their first-round series. The Nuggets will look to take a 2-0 lead before heading to Minneapolis for the next two games.
Jamal Murray led the way for Denver in Game 1, scoring 30 points in their 116-105 win. Nikola Jokic had another triple-double, putting up 25 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists.
Injuries have been a problem for Denver, and Aaron Gordon, an important part of the Nuggets’ success, suffered an injury scare in the fourth quarter.
Coach David Adelman on Gordon’s Injury Scare
GettyAaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets has been plagued by a hamstring issue this season.
Gordon was limited to just 36 games in the regular season because of two separate right hamstring strain injuries. His synergy with Jokic is hard to match, plus he has been clutch for the Nuggets on both ends of the floor since arriving in March 2021.
Speaking to the reporters after Game 1, coach David Adelman revealed that Gordon suffered a back injury after getting hit by Julius Randle midway through the fourth quarter. Adelman wasn’t upset with Randle because it was a physical game, calling it an unfortunate situation.
“I just re-watched AG taking the shot in the back from Randle was concerning,” Adelman said. “That’s on our report for something that’s bothered him. It was lower back. That was unfortunate, but that’s just the way the game is. These games are that way. Both teams are experienced.”
Gordon went down after getting hit by Randle, grimacing in pain. He was able to stand up and finish the game with 17 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
Gordon’s Injury Status for Game 2
GettyAaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets during a game.
The Nuggets have released their official injury report for Game 2 against the Timberwolves. Gordon wasn’t on the injury report, which means he has been cleared to play and available for Monday’s game.
That’s good news for the Nuggets, especially for their goal of protecting homecourt advantage. Gordon is expected to be in the starting lineup alongside Murray, Jokic, Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun.
The only player on the Nuggets’ injury report is Peyton Watson, who continues to recover from a strained right hamstring. Watson is likely missing at least another game, as reported by Bennett Durando of The Denver Post.
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Game 2 Preview
GettyRudy Gobert and Nikola Jokic in Game 1.
Game 1 of the series between the Nuggets and Timberwolves was pretty physical. Jaden McDaniels even pushed Jokic at one point, which almost led to a fight. But thankfully, cooler heads prevailed, and the game continued.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch was also not subtle about criticizing the amount of free throws Murray got in Game 1.
(Murray) initiates the contact, he spills away, and he gets rewarded for it,” Finch said, via Awful Announcing. “Jokic does the same thing. We’ve gotta be solid around that. But 16 free throws is a lot.”
Finch is expected to make adjustments, most likely pushing the pace even further to create more open shots for Anthony Edwards, as per TalkBasket.
Denver Nuggets Reveal Aaron Gordon’s Status for Game 2 After Injury Scare