Staying true to both their superstitions and a newfound winning streak, the Denver Nuggets may not have allowed Aaron Gordon entry into their postgame team dinner. But, when the opportunity to feast on the Minnesota Timberwolves’ transition defense arrived, Gordon found that his teammates were more than willing to save him a seat at the table. With the speed of a bowling ball eyeing its final pins for a spare, the versatile forward picks up his speed on the fastbreak, lowering his frame to absorb a collision with two different Minnesota defenders. Rightfully confident during a night in which he simply couldn’t miss, Gordon maintains his shooting motion through contact, arcing a shot high over his head and into the net for an and-one finish. In Denver’s most critical game to date, Gordon fulfilled the need for an X-factor on both ends, keeping the Nuggets’ lead secured with its Most Valuable Player in foul trouble, while also forcing Minnesota’s elite defense to adjust its plans. A star on the night, Gordon turned in 27 points, seven rebounds, six assists, one steal, two blocks, and two 3-pointers, elevating Denver to a win and a 2-2 series tie on May 12, 2024. · May 13, 2024