The Denver Nuggets announced Aaron Gordon would miss Monday night’s Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a development that complicates their playoff positioning. Gordon, who played through left calf tightness in Saturday’s 112-96 loss, exited Game 4 in the third quarter before returning for the final period—his movement visibly affected. Adelman had previously described Gordon as laboring, a term that underscored the severity of the issue more than the nine points he scored on 4-of-11 shooting. The focus now shifts to how Denver reconfigures its rotation, which has already been tested by injuries to other key players.
The Rotation Reckoning
Gordon’s absence forces Adelman into difficult lineup decisions. The Nuggets have been without Peyton Watson since Game 2 due to a right hamstring strain, reducing their options at forward. In Game 3, when Gordon first sat out, Denver turned to Spencer Jones, whose 28 minutes yielded modest production. The team’s reliance on Gordon’s versatility—his ability to defend multiple positions, facilitate for teammates, and score in transition—becomes more apparent in his absence. Without him, the Nuggets lose a key piece of their offensive and defensive schemes.
Adelman’s choices are constrained. He could move Michael Porter Jr. to the four, a shift that might create offensive advantages but could expose Denver to Minnesota’s frontcourt, particularly Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert. Alternatively, Christian Braun could see increased minutes, offering energy and three-point shooting but lacking Gordon’s physicality and defensive impact. Braun’s smaller frame could be targeted in matchups, especially in pick-and-roll situations. A third option—leaning more heavily on Nikola Jokić—risks overburdening a player already logging significant minutes. In Game 4, Jokić played 38 minutes, a workload that could increase if Adelman opts to maximize his time on the floor.
Adelman’s earlier remarks about Gordon’s availability provided insight into his approach. He had indicated that the team would proceed as planned if Gordon were available, emphasizing the importance of communication throughout the game. With Gordon now sidelined, that communication becomes even more critical. The adjustments Adelman makes will determine whether Denver can compensate for the loss of one of its most versatile players.
Jokić’s Burden, and the Psychological Ripple
Nikola Jokić’s ejection in the final moments of Game 4 adds another layer of uncertainty. The league is reviewing the incident, which involved a late-game altercation with Jaden McDaniels, and a suspension would further strain Denver’s lineup. Even if Jokić avoids punishment, his role in Game 5 will be more demanding. Gordon’s absence removes a secondary playmaker who can share the offensive load. In Game 1, Gordon contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, complementing Jokić’s 29-point, 13-assist performance. In Game 4, with Gordon limited, Jokić’s 24 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists came on 10-of-22 shooting, highlighting the team’s reliance on him when others struggle to contribute.
The Timberwolves, despite injuries to Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo, closed Game 4 with a 16-4 run, demonstrating how quickly momentum can shift in a playoff series. For Denver, the challenge is twofold: generating offense without Gordon’s slashing and screen-setting, and maintaining focus to avoid lapses like Jokić’s ejection. Adelman’s postgame remarks about Gordon reflected the difficult decision to keep him on the floor, acknowledging the risks involved. Now, the team must channel those challenges into productive adjustments.
The Timberwolves will look to exploit Denver’s forward rotation. McDaniels, who scored the layup that sparked the Game 4 altercation, could see increased minutes at the four, using his length to disrupt Denver’s offense. Minnesota’s bench, led by Naz Reid and Kyle Anderson, remains a factor. Reid, in particular, has been effective against Denver, averaging 14.3 points on 58% shooting in the series. If the Timberwolves can force Jokić into early foul trouble or limit his post touches, they gain a significant advantage in closing out the series.
What to Watch in Game 5
The Nuggets’ ability to extend the series hinges on three key factors: bench production, defensive cohesion, and Jokić’s availability. Without Gordon, Denver’s second unit must step up. Braun, Jones, and Zeke Nnaji—who played just four minutes in Game 4—will need to contribute more than spot minutes. Braun, in particular, could be tasked with guarding multiple positions, a role that will test his defensive development. If he can hold his own, it would allow Porter and Jamal Murray to focus on offense.
Defensively, the Nuggets must avoid the breakdowns that plagued them in Game 4. Ayo Dosunmu exploited Denver’s perimeter defense for 43 points, and a repeat performance would be costly. Adelman might opt for a smaller lineup to switch more aggressively, but this strategy carries risks, particularly against Gobert and Towns on the offensive glass. The communication Adelman emphasized earlier in the series will be vital; without Gordon’s vocal leadership, another player must step up to direct the defense.
Jokić’s status remains the biggest variable. If he plays, the Nuggets’ offense will run through him more than ever. If he’s suspended, the burden shifts to Murray, whose inconsistency in the series has been evident. His 21 points in Game 1 were followed by 14 in Game 2, 12 in Game 3, and 18 in Game 4. A strong performance from Murray in Game 5 would help offset Gordon’s absence.
The stakes are clear: a win keeps Denver’s season alive, while a loss ends it. Gordon’s injury, though not season-ending, could prove decisive in a tightly contested series. For the Nuggets, the question isn’t just whether they can survive without him—it’s whether they can adapt quickly enough to thrive.