Aaron Gordon has emerged as the Denver Nuggets' unlikely hero during the playoffs, stepping up in clutch moments and helping the team secure a crucial 113-104 overtime victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
With Nikola Jokic struggling from beyond the arc and finishing 0-for-10 from three-point range, Gordon delivered a game-tying corner three with 26.7 seconds left in regulation, paving the way for Denver's dominant overtime run. His performance was instrumental in giving the Nuggets a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference semifinal series.
Gordon, who had already made headlines with a game-winning dunk in the first round against the Clippers, finished the game with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists on 7-of-11 shooting. He also posted a game-high +15 in the plus-minus statistic, underlining his impact on both ends of the court.
Teammates Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. praised Gordon’s consistency, with Porter Jr. crediting him for being the difference-maker in multiple playoff wins, and Murray lauding his readiness for big moments.
The basketball community quickly took notice of Gordon’s playoff exploits. Social media comparisons to superstars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry flooded in, with platforms like Bleacher Report and Hoop Central highlighting his clutch performances. The NBA’s own website even joked he deserves an extra "A" in his name, calling attention to his repeated ability to come through for the team when it matters most.
As Denver prepares to host Game 4, all eyes are on Gordon, who has proven himself a reliable go-to player in tense moments. While Jokic remains the centerpiece of the Nuggets, Gordon’s rise as a dependable closer has added a new layer of resilience to the defending champions. With each playoff game, his reputation as a big-game performer continues to grow.
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