Latest on Gordon
Team sources tell me that Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon is expected to warm up with about an hour left before tip-off and make his decision from there. It seems improbable, if not impossible, that he could compete in a high-level playoff game with such a serious injury, but team sources say the Nuggets went through a walk-through as a team yesterday with Gordon part of the game plan.
Gordon, meanwhile, has been telling people within the team since yesterday that he plans on giving it a go. We shall see. Alonzo Adams / Imagn Images
Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon has a Grade 2 hamstring strain, a team source confirmed to The Athletic , which is going to put his status for Sunday afternoon even more in doubt. Gordon was injured in Game 6, and although there is still a feeling within the Nuggets that Gordon will try and give it a go against Oklahoma City, it is looking increasingly doubtful that it can happen.
Without Gordon, Peyton Watson is in line for a big load of minutes and responsibility. He is a 6-foot-8 forward who brings a real shot of athleticism, defense, energy and rim protection to Denver's lineup. But he has never been in this big a moment with this big of a spotlight on him. He will have to come up big if the Nuggets are going to have a chance to win.
The Thunder are 6-5 in NBA playoff Game 7s all-time dating back to their days as the Seattle SuperSonics.
Their last Game 7 came in the first round of the 2020 NBA playoffs, which were played in the Disney World "Bubble" in Orlando due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Thunder lost that game to the Houston Rockets.
Russell Westbrook also played in that game, and also did so against the Thunder franchise that drafted him and that he won an MVP with in 2017. Westbrook had 20 points in the Rockets victory. Getty Images
Denver could become one just the 19th team in NBA history to win multiple Game 7s in the same playoffs. Of course, the Nuggets did that in the 2020 playoffs in the bubble. Only the 1988 Lakers won three Game 7s in the same postseason. Getty Images
The Denver Nuggets could be without starting power forward Aaron Gordon for Game 7. An MRI revealed that Gordon has sustained a strained hamstring, putting his availability for the second-round series finale against the Oklahoma City Thunder in doubt, team sources confirmed to The Athletic.
Gordon will officially be listed as questionable for Sunday afternoon's contest at Paycom Center, team sources told The Athletic . Gordon will continue receiving treatment in the days and hours leading up to the game, in the hope to try and play, according to those sources.
Read more below. Getty Images
"I'm just glad we won," Jamal Murray told ESPN after his 25-point, 8-rebound, 7-assist performance while battling the flu.
He shook his head dismissively when asked if there was any chance of his missing Game 6 after waking up sick early this morning. Getty Images
In Game 6, with a golden opportunity to advance to their first conference finals in a decade, the Thunder were flat.
There were a myriad of lead changes on Thursday evening, but instead of Oklahoma City flexing its 68-win muscles, it was Denver who played with necessary desperation to extend its season and keep the series dream alive.
Jalen Williams, who struggled yet again to be a consistent second option, finished with just six points on 3-for-16 shooting, despite leading all players in assists. At the other end, Murray was in constant attack mode. Williams can't afford another game like that if the Thunder have any realistic hopes of getting to a conference final.
Through six games, it's clear that the Nuggets have more offensive weapons. If Oklahoma City can't match Denver's firepower on Sunday, it'll need to be tactically sound in all phases of gameplay to advance. Getty Images
For the first time in over two weeks, Denver will have more than one day of rest between games. The Nuggets have been running on fumes for much of this series because they went seven games against the LA Clippers, and then boarded a plane that Sunday and started the series against the Thunder that Monday.
'Guys looked more happy to have two days off than to be going to a Game 7,' Denver interim head coach David Adelman said.
That's going to be important. Aaron Gordon grabbed at his hamstring late in the fourth quarter of Game 6. The Nuggets can ill-afford to be without him on Sunday, or to even have a hobbled version of him. Adelman said the concern level is 'high.'
The Nuggets also get some rest for Murray and Jokić. Denver knew it had to come up with one win on Thursday night, and the Nuggets were able to come up with that win and give themselves some much-needed rest. Getty Images
DENVER — The celebrations began before the final buzzer had even sounded, Denver Nuggets players hugging and congratulating each other on a job well done, a series extended and a season saved.
At the opposite end of the court, a thick layer of melancholy was present. Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault ducked under the tunnel, fidgeting with his fingers as if he was attempting to draw up a play that would alleviate his team's collective pain. One by one, the players headed for the locker room, their heads looking at the ground — all while the boos from Ball Arena rained down upon them.
And for as much optimism as the locker room portrayed after the fact, there was no escaping the reality that Oklahoma City had let a golden opportunity slip. On Thursday night, the Thunder had a chance — several chances, to be honest — to put the Nuggets away. To avoid the tension and nervousness that can come with a Game 7. To advance to their first Western Conference finals in nearly a decade.
They didn't.
Read more on the Thunder's Game 6 loss below.
GO FURTHER
Thunder fall flat against the Nuggets and now face the pressure of Game 7 Imagn Images
Matthew C.: That was an amazing performance last night by him.
Donald M.: Regardless of how this series finishes, I'm cautiously optimistic about the Nuggets solving their depth issue next season. If Braun, Strawther, Pickett, and Watson all just take a reasonable step forward-- a likely scenario for players that are in their early 20s-- it'll be a big deal.
Patrick M.: This feels like a tangible difference from how Malone would've approached this. I can't envision him calling on Strawther in an elimination game and giving him this opportunity. Good on Adelman for taking the risk, knowing we needed the shooting badly.
John R.: Makes me wonder if Malone was coaching if Strawther would have played. That was an issue with Watson last year. Getty Images
DENVER — Julian Strawther heads to Ball Arena and goes through the same mundane and tedious routine, often wondering if or when it will lead to substantial playing time for the Denver Nuggets. But he goes through the routine, regardless. It's part of his job as a professional ballplayer, and he knows that's what will keep him in the NBA beyond his current rookie-scale contract. He gets taped and changes into his practice gear. He goes through film with his player development coach, Nuggets assistant John Beckett. And then he gets on the floor and shoots. And shoots. And then shoots some more.
'It's my job to get these shots up,' Strawther said.
On Thursday night, Strawther played the role of hero for Denver, which forced a Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 119-107 home win. The Nuggets won while playing for a ninth time in 17 days. They survived a pulled left hamstring from Aaron Gordon, a sickness from Jamal Murray that forced IV treatment earlier in the day and a first-half run by the Thunder that left them staring down the barrel of the end of their season.
Read more on the Nuggets below.
GO FURTHER
Julian Strawther answers Nuggets' desperate call for depth in Game 6 vs. Thunder Getty Images
Who deserves to win NBA MVP this year? Will the winner of this series go on to win the NBA Finals? And who will be the X-factor in this massive Game 7?
We want to hear your thoughts on all of the above and anything else you have to say about this game! Just send us an email: live@theathletic.com. We'll feature some of our favorite submissions throughout today's coverage!
And if you already subscribe to The Athletic , you can also get involved by heading over to the "Discuss" tab at the top of this page on our website and app. Getty Images
Game 7 of the NBA playoffs Western Conference semifinals series between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder is set to tip off at 3:30 p.m. ET.
That's 2:30 p.m. CT local time in Oklahoma City and 1:30 p.m. MT in Denver. Getty Images
Game 7 of the NBA playoffs Western Conference semifinals series between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder will be broadcast on ABC.
You can also stream the game on Fubo. Getty Images
No, the postseason doesn't factor into the NBA MVP race. It's a regular season award for which the votes were submitted weeks ago.
But, we're about to get a winner-take-all Game 7 between the two frontrunners, three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and ascending superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
And whatever happens today will go a long way towards how each of their MVP-worthy 2024-25 seasons is remembered. Getty Images
Hello basketball fans and welcome to The Athletic's live coverage of something defined by two of the greatest words in sports: Game 7.
That's right, it's win or go home for the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder in their NBA playoffs Western Conference semifinals series.
The winner will secure a spot in the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The loser will see their season end after what has already become an instant classic of a playoff series.
So stick with us as our team of NBA experts on the ground in Oklahoma City will have you covered until opening tip and through the final buzzer! Getty Images
Jordan H.: As a Bulls fan with no horse in the race, I'm just enjoying the series. I figured Denver would make this interesting, but not to go 7. OKCs youth vs Denver's experience. Hope the game is good,
Adam O.: Gordon was grabbing his hamstring in the final 2 minutes and that is something to keep an eye on. Denver is in trouble if he's playing on one leg or if he can't play at all.
Anonymous: Man. I love both of these teams. I'm mystified by the change in Jokic's performance, he's so good, I assume he's trying to force other players to stay involved. After watching last night's game and those two young guys, I did think maybe they should rehire Calvin Booth, the kids were getting it done but also seemed a bit under seasoned.
Paul B.: Lots of guys struggle in the playoffs early in their careers, and it's easy to forget how young OKC is. But Williams and other guys will shoot better down the road.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
8 minutes ago
- Yahoo
5 Takeaways from Week 2 of Bears 2025 training camp
The Chicago Bears have put together two weeks of training camp, which have consisted of eight practice (including three with pads on). That includes the longest workout of the summer on Thursday, which spanned two and a half hours ahead of another pair of padded practices on deck. Head coach Ben Johnson has established a high standard with this team, which has featured some impressive performances from big names and others looking to make an impact en route to a roster spot. But there were some players who showed up through this second week of practice (Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8), including some top rookies and the most important player on the roster. Following the second week of training camp, here are our takeaways from what transpired during the four practices: 1. The offense is starting to come together The first week of Bears camp was all about the defense and how the offense was struggling to muster any sort of momentum. That started to change during the second week. Quarterback Caleb Williams and the rest of the unit started putting things together, operating more successfully, and creating bigger plays in both the pass and run game. That was evident on Thursday when Williams had his best day and the receivers were dialed in, catching nearly everything thrown their way. It feels like the coaching Williams is receiving is starting to stick, and both he and Ben Johnson agree. "He is so much more comfortable right now," Johnson said on Tuesday. "His process is really clean right now; I'm talking about how he's preparing. I'm really pleased with it. He's doing the work behind the scenes that no one else is seeing, and we're starting to see the dividends being paid from it." Stacking good practices together is what you want to see, even if they're not perfect. Williams and the entire group improved throughout the week, and the goal is to carry that into the next set of practices. 2. DJ Moore could be a realistic option at running back One of the first things we saw when the Bears took the field Monday was DJ Moore working with the running backs during warmups. Not the receivers. Moore took a number of handoffs and pitches during individual drills, then saw action during team drills later on. It's been something that has become more regular this week as Moore has been featured at the position quite a bit. We likely won't see him make a drastic position change, but we could see Moore handle a few carries each game this year. And not just the jet sweeps we saw in 2025. Moore can be elite when the ball is in his hands and plays the position much like Deebo Samuel, who averaged 45 carries a season during his last four years. We'll see if it comes to fruition, but don't be surprised to see No. 2 lined up behind No. 18 when the games begin. 3. Jaylon Johnson's injury may be more severe than initially thought Through eight practices, the Bears have been relatively lucky when it comes to injuries. They did lose rookie defensive tackle Shemar Turner for nearly a month, but no starters have suffered any major injuries on the practice field. The lone exception has been cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who remains on the NFI list a week and a half after the Bears reported to camp. The initial prognosis of Johnson's injury did not seem too serious, and it seemed that he would be back at some point during camp. Johnson put that timeline into doubt, however, on Thursday when he discussed the star defensive back's injury. "I think there is a scenario where he will be ready for Week 1, and that is really the target day," Johnson said. "I know he is working hard and diligently to get there for that, and with those types of injuries that he's got, you just never know. You never know. It's still early in that process, but I know he's attacking that rehab really well." Initially, it didn't seem like Johnson would be in any danger of missing Week 1, and though Johnson talks about that still being a target, it feels more uncertain than it did a week ago. That's not exactly comforting. Johnson could just be tempering expectations, and the goal is to get Johnson back by Week 1 anyway. But his injury will be something to continue to monitor. 4. Outside cornerback is far from settled With Johnson sidelined, the Bears have been working in multiple players at outside cornerback, and it's a position that is still up for grabs. Just ask defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. "I think it's completely up for grabs," Allen said earlier in the week. That means Tyrique Stevenson, Terell Smith, Nahshon Wright, Nick McCloud, Tre Flowers, and more are all competing for the spot opposite Johnson when he returns. The silver lining with Johnson sidelined is that the Bears can get more looks at these other players. Wright has impressed the coaching staff, as he has been the predominant starter in Johnson's absence. Stevenson and Smith have the experience with the rest of the secondary, and McCloud is turning heads at times, too. Even Kyler Gordon will see time at the outside spot, a change from the last two years. At this point, it's anyone's guess as to who will emerge as the starter. 5. Luther Burden can be a difference maker Last week, Luther Burden was turning into Kevin White in the eyes of Bears fans. This week, he may as well be the best wide receiver in team history. He has only practiced three times in team settings, but Burden is making the most of his opportunities as of late since he returned from a lower leg injury. Over the last two practices, the rookie out of Missouri has made multiple plays, both with underneath routes and deep patterns. Burden is quickly getting acclimated to the offense, and even though it hasn't been perfect, he's showing the skills needed to be a difference maker in this league. Of course, he still needs to prove it during games, especially ones that count in the standings. No one should be doing victory laps yet, just like there shouldn't have been concern about his injury a week ago. That being said, he's showing he has the capabilities of becoming a different maker and someone who can be dangerous with the ball in his hands. That's all you can ask for at this point. This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 5 Takeaways from Week 2 of Bears 2025 training camp
Yahoo
8 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Tyreek Hill admits he 'didn't understand' Dolphins offense, says Tua Tagovailoa's comments were 'needed'
At his best, Tyreek Hill has made Mike McDaniel's motion-heavy Miami Dolphins offense hum. He's apparently done so without having a full grasp of the scheme. "I'm gonna' be completely honest," Hill told reporters Friday at Dolphins training camp. "I didn't understand the offense for the first three years of me being here. But this year, I feel like coach [Bobby Slowik] has explained it a lot." Slowik, who achieved enormous success and then a head-scratching drop-off in his two seasons as the Houston Texans' offensive coordinator, is in his first year as Miami's senior pass-game coordinator. Hill said Slowik has simplified the Dolphins' offense, particularly in regard to route detail. Hill added: "We're taking notes in the meeting rooms, which is great, something I've never done in my career. I'm taking notes in meeting rooms — even if I know it, I'm taking notes. So he definitely helped us all, man. He's been great." Hill also credited his first-year wide receivers coach, Robert Prince. Following three seasons with the Dallas Cowboys in that same role, Prince teamed up with McDaniel. "Coach RP, he's been great," Hill said. "He has has been getting on me and [Jaylen] Waddle's nerve since he's got here. But I think it's great, though. That accountability piece is something that we needed and then also pushing us every day." It's hard to believe this is the first time in Hill's six-time All-Pro career that he's taking notes in the meeting room, especially considering he started his career in Kansas City, where now-three-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Andy Reid is known for his offensive acumen and creativity. Nevertheless, Hill's comments Friday indicate the 31-year-old's commitment to recentering himself and his work ethic after his "I'm out" comments at the end of last season. In the immediate aftermath of the Dolphins missing the playoffs and losing their 2024 regular-season finale to the New York Jets, a frustrated Hill hinted that his time in Miami was coming to end. The Dolphins traded for him in 2022 and then gave him a record-breaking $120 million contract. Although Hill piled up more than 1,700 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons with the team, he failed to reach the 1,000-yard mark for only the third time in his career last year. To start this year's training camp, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa made it clear that — even though Hill walked back what he said and then apologized — the speedy wideout's comments this past January still had consequences. 'When you say something like that, you don't just come back with, 'My bad.' You gotta work that relationship up," Tagovailoa said last month. "He is working on himself." Hill called his quarterback's remarks "needed." "He's obviously the leader of our team," Hill said Friday. "He sets the standard. So I'm just trying to be the best teammate, the best version of myself for this team I can be, man. Every day. Showing up for meetings, coming out here every day busting my tail in practice, I think it's important. "If you want to be able to leave a legacy, you got to be able to consistently do those kind of things."
Yahoo
8 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Yankees expect Aaron Judge activated from IL early next week
The Yankees avoided the worst-possible news on Aaron Judge's right elbow last week, and it now appears the superstar slugger may only face the minimum amount of time on the injured list. Before their road series opener against the Marlins on Friday, manager Aaron Boone told reporters the plan is for Judge to get live at-bats in Tampa on Sunday, in anticipation of him being activated on Tuesday or Wednesday against the Rangers. While the Yankees' captain isn't scheduled to begin a throwing program for another week-plus, his flexor tendon strain didn't preclude him from taking on-field batting practice with teammates on Friday. Judge received a PRP injection earlier this week to expedite the healing process. If all goes well with the bat this weekend, the reigning AL MVP will return as the Yankees' designated hitter. His temporary absence from the field will consequently mean some defensive work for Giancarlo Stanton. The second half of July wasn't kind to Judge. Since the All-Star break, he's slashed an uncharacteristic .160/.267/.400 with two home runs, four RBI, and 11 strikeouts (25 at-bats).
