Aaron Gordon Misses Nuggets vs. Warriors Due to Calf Soreness
Aaron Gordon was a late scratch from Denver’s Sunday matchup with Golden State. He reported new tightness in his left calf and was ruled out as a precaution.
Immediate decision and timeline
The forward informed the team of his discomfort early Sunday. Coach David Adelman and team doctors opted to keep him sidelined for the game.
Gordon’s absence was counted as his 44th missed game this season. The Nuggets said the move was preventative to avoid a more serious setback.
Player status and recent workload
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Age | 30 |
| Games played | 32 |
| Points per game | 16.6 |
| Rebounds per game | 5.9 |
| Assists per game | 2.5 |
| Field goal% | 50.1% |
| 3-point% | 39.9% |
| Free throw% | 76.5% |
The team’s defensive numbers also improved when he played. Denver allowed 5.6 fewer points per 100 possessions with him on the court.
Injury history
Gordon has battled calf and hamstring problems over two seasons. Most absences this year are tied to a recurring right hamstring strain.
He reinjured the hamstring on Jan. 23 in Milwaukee. That flare-up cost him about six weeks of action.
Recent management and rest protocol
Since his return in early March, the Nuggets avoided using him on only 24 hours’ rest. The staff has been careful with his minutes and recovery time.
Adelman said he believed Gordon had felt fine during Friday’s game. The calf tightness emerged overnight and prompted the scratch the next morning.
Past postseason toughness
Last season he missed 31 regular-season games and came off the bench in nine. He nevertheless played through a right calf strain in the playoffs.
Gordon hit two playoff game-winners while managing that injury. He later suffered a left hamstring strain in Game 6 against Oklahoma City.
He returned for Game 7 and produced eight points and 11 rebounds in the series finale.
Team priorities and next steps
Denver’s primary focus late in the season is entering the playoffs with Gordon healthy. Team doctor Steve Short spoke with Gordon before the decision.
Adelman stressed there was no reason to risk a longer absence for a single game. The Nuggets have only had their full rotation available twice since Nov. 12.
Filmogaz.com will follow updates on Gordon’s recovery and availability. The Nuggets will continue to manage his workload carefully to protect his long-term health.
