In Game 1, Jamal Murray paced Denver with 30 points and Nikola Jokic added a triple‑double (25 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists) as the Nuggets won 116–105. Gordon contributed 17 points, eight rebounds and three assists before limping out briefly with the back issue.
Gordon’s lengthy injury history includes two right hamstring strains that limited him to 36 regular‑season appearances, underscoring his value alongside Jokic when healthy. He has been a versatile and clutch contributor for Denver since arriving in 2021, pairing well with Jokic on both ends of the floor.
Denver eyes a clean bill of health for Game 2 after the team released its official injury report, which listed Gordon as cleared to play. He is expected to start alongside Murray, Jokic, Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun, while Peyton Watson remains out with a strained right hamstring.
Game 2 is expected to carry over the physical pace from Game 1, which included a notable moment when Jaden McDaniels pushed Jokic. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch previewed adjustments, signaling a likely focus on pushing the pace to create better looks for Anthony Edwards and testing Denver’s defense and discipline around the whistle.
Denver will look to protect home court and seize a 2‑0 lead before heading to Minneapolis for the next two games, with Gordon’s availability a key factor in how the Nuggets balance offense and defense against a Minnesota squad eager to even the series.
