Nuggets Last-Minute Comeback: Aaron Gordons Return Sets Stage for Game 7 Showdown Against Thunder

The Denver Nuggets are poised to make a crucial comeback in the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, as star player Aaron Gordon is expected to take the court in Game 7 on Sunday afternoon. Gordon, who initially suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain and was expected to miss the game, surprised everyone by working out well during warm-ups and being announced in the starting lineup. Gordon's injury occurred in the fourth quarter of Game 6 on Thursday night, when he accidentally bounced a loose ball off his foot and had to leave the contest early. Despite the setback, he remained determined to play against the Thunder, averaging 14.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game in the series. The 29-year-old has been a key contributor for the Nuggets throughout the playoffs, including hitting a game-winning 3-pointer to stun the Thunder in Game 1 and having a game-winning dunk in Denver's opening-round series with the Los Angeles Clippers. Gordon's four-year, $133 million extension with the Nuggets in October has proven to be a valuable investment for the team. He has averaged 14.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game this season, his fourth full one in Denver. A win in Game 7 would send the Nuggets into the Western Conference finals for the second time in the past three years, while the Thunder, who have earned the top seed in the Western Conference, haven't been to the conference finals since 2016. The Nuggets' success this season has been built on their strong lineup, including Gordon's contributions on both ends of the court. With his return to the starting lineup, Denver will have a boost in their efforts to take down the Thunder and advance to the conference finals. The team's fans are eagerly awaiting Sunday's game, hoping for a thrilling finish that will send them into the next round of the playoffs.