So, despite a Grade 2 hamstring strain, a debilitating long-term injury for explosive basketball players and really any athlete in any sport, Gordon started anyway. And despite so

Gordon "looked normal," Adelman said. "His motions were good. So, hoping he plays." In the event that he doesn't play, though, the Nuggets will be prepared. "We walked through a lot of stuff today with different people having [his] responsibilities," Adelman said. "But, like I said, the hope is the responsibilities will be Aaron's."

The Denver Nuggets lost Game 7 on the road to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams of OKC combined for nearly 50 points. The Nuggets tough loss obscured a valiant, bravehearted effort by star forward Aaron Gordon, who did his best to play through a Grade 2 hamstring sprain.