With their season hanging in the balance, the Denver Nuggets could receive a critical boost in Game 4 — if Aaron Gordon can push through injury.
According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Gordon was on the court warming up with the intent to play just under two hours before tipoff against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“Aaron Gordon is warming up before Game 4 in Minnesota with the intent to play,” Slater reported on X. “Calf issue is clearly a tricky one. Nuggets coach David Adelman: ‘If he plays, we’ll see how it goes.’ Minutes/limitations would be based on how it feels/responds.”
“If he plays, we’ll have to just see how it goes… I just passed him in the hall, so he’s getting himself ready to play. But anything can happen in the next hour.”
The update marks a significant development for Denver, which is trying to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole in its first-round Western Conference playoff series.
(UPDATE: Gordon has been cleared to play in Game 4, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.)
Aaron Gordon Injury Status Looms Large for Nuggets in Game 4
Gordon was listed as questionable entering Game 4 after missing Thursday’s Game 3 loss with a calf injury. He had only participated in a walkthrough at practice the day before and was seen icing the calf afterward, raising concerns about his availability.
His potential return comes at a pivotal moment.
Without Gordon in Game 3, the Nuggets lacked their usual defensive versatility and physical presence in the frontcourt — two areas that Minnesota exploited throughout the night.
Nuggets Struggle Without Gordon in Game 3 Blowout Loss
The Timberwolves seized control of the series with a dominant 113-96 victory, taking a 2-1 lead behind a relentless, physical approach.
Minnesota held Denver to just 11 points in the first quarter — a postseason franchise record for fewest points allowed in an opening period — and never looked back.
Jaden McDaniels delivered a standout performance with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Ayo Dosunmu added 25 points and nine assists off the bench. The Timberwolves also overwhelmed Denver inside, outscoring the Nuggets 68-34 in the paint.
Nikola Jokic, Nuggets Offense Searching for Answers
Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic finished with 27 points and 15 rebounds but struggled to find efficiency, shooting just 7-for-26 from the field against Minnesota’s disciplined defense.
Rudy Gobert anchored the Timberwolves’ interior, continuing his strong series against Jokic.
“He’s the greatest offensive player I’ve guarded in my whole career,” Gobert said. “Just trying to enjoy the challenge.”
Jamal Murray added 16 points but shot just 5-for-17, as Denver’s offense failed to establish any consistent rhythm.
The Nuggets, one of the league’s most efficient three-point shooting teams during the regular season, have gone cold in the series, hitting just 30% from deep (33-for-109).
“The shooting really put us behind the 8-ball,” Adelman said. “Our physicality offensively has got to get better.”
Injury Concerns Extend Beyond Aaron Gordon
Denver’s rotation has already been thinned by injuries.
Peyton Watson remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, though he has progressed to individual on-court work. His absence has further limited the Nuggets’ defensive options and depth off the bench.
Gordon’s late scratch before Game 3 forced Denver to adjust on short notice — something Adelman acknowledged disrupted the team’s preparation.
“I do think out of fairness to the team, we do want to know who is going to play that next game,” Adelman said. “It just helps you because guys know the expectation.”
Game 4 Represents Must-Win Moment for Nuggets
With Minnesota holding a 2-1 series lead, Game 4 presents a critical turning point for Denver’s postseason hopes.
The Timberwolves have dictated tempo, pushed pace and attacked mismatches, preventing the Nuggets from setting their defense.
“They’re kind of pushing the pace, playing faster,” Jokic said. “Don’t let us set our defense, and then just driving the ball and trying to be aggressive.”
Whether Gordon can effectively contribute — even in limited minutes — could play a major role in Denver’s ability to respond.
The margin for error is shrinking, and with their backs against the wall, the Nuggets may need Gordon on the floor — even if he’s not at full strength.
UPDATE: Nuggets Get Major Aaron Gordon News Just Before Must-Win Game 4