Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, participated in Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder despite initial doubts about his ability to play. The injury, which typically requires weeks to heal, occurred late in Game 6 when Thunder guard Alex Caruso slid under him. Gordon, a key player in Denver's postseason success, averaged 14.5 points and 9.2 rebounds in the series and made several clutch plays, including game-winning shots. Nuggets interim coach David Adelman emphasized Gordon's toughness and the team's trust in their players, noting that Gordon's participation was crucial given the team's limited depth. Gordon's effort helped Denver advance to the Western Conference Finals, where they faced tough competition from the Thunder, who ultimately won the series. Despite the injury, Gordon started and played 24 minutes in Game 7, finishing with 8 points and 11 rebounds, demonstrating his resilience and importance to the Nuggets' playoff run.