Aaron Gordon Battles Hamstring Setback, Eyes Strong Comeback

Nuggets forward focuses on regaining impact and maintaining health after missing 17 games due to right hamstring injury.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Aaron Gordon has returned to action for the Denver Nuggets after missing 17 games due to a right hamstring injury. Gordon struggled offensively in his first game back, but remains positive about his progress and is focused on regaining his rhythm and avoiding re-injury. The Nuggets have had success when Gordon plays significant minutes, but he is still working to fully recover his conditioning and timing.

Why it matters

Gordon's return is crucial for the Nuggets as they look to maintain their competitive pace in the Western Conference. His ability to contribute consistently will significantly impact Denver's chances of securing a playoff position and pursuing championship aspirations.

The details

In his first game back, Gordon shot just 1-for-7 during Denver's 142-103 loss to the New York Knicks. Despite the tough outing, Gordon emphasized the need to stay positive and avoid worrying about re-injury. He acknowledged his current limitations but said he feels good physically. Gordon's minutes remain limited as the Nuggets carefully monitor his condition. To reduce the risk of additional injuries, Gordon has modified his pre-game routine by arriving earlier at the gym and focusing on more thorough warm-ups.

  • Gordon missed 17 straight games following a second hamstring strain that flared up after he returned for 10 contests in January.
  • Gordon's first game back drew a standing ovation at Ball Arena, where he logged 21 minutes and totaled three points, three rebounds, and three assists.

The players

Aaron Gordon

A forward for the Denver Nuggets who recently returned to action after missing 17 games due to a right hamstring injury.

David Adelman

The head coach of the Denver Nuggets, who emphasized the adjustment period for Gordon as he regains competitive rhythm.

Jamal Murray

An All-Star guard for the Denver Nuggets who left a recent game against the Knicks with a mild left ankle sprain and is considered day-to-day.

Nikola Jokic

The star center for the Denver Nuggets, who Coach Adelman noted also had to find his rhythm after returning from injury.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, I've gotta play better on the offensive side, and defense. I've just gotta play better for us to have a chance to win. I think as I get my legs back under me, I'll do that. So I've gotta be better for us.”

— Aaron Gordon, Forward (theconwaybulletin.com)

“I've gotta stay on top of it. But I play without worry. When you're worried about an injury out there, that's usually when it happens. So I feel great. My body feels good. It's just the timing and the pace of the game that needs to come back to me now, but I feel good.”

— Aaron Gordon, Forward (theconwaybulletin.com)

“It's fun. I'm grateful to be able to play this game and be out there and express myself through the game that I love to play, and to be out there with the fellas. So win, lose or draw, I have gratitude. Obviously, it's better to come out with a win, and that's what I'm looking for day in and day out. But I'm grateful to just play the game.”

— Aaron Gordon, Forward (theconwaybulletin.com)

“Anybody in the league can make shots when there's no cardio involved, when no one's tired, but as soon as you start running up and down, it gets a little bit harder to make shots and be in the right place at the right time. But I'm not here to make excuses. I played bad (against the Knicks). And I know that affected us losing the game.”

— Aaron Gordon, Forward (theconwaybulletin.com)

“Aaron was on an emotional high, but he's still trying to find a rhythm in a real game… When (Nikola) Jokic came back, he was trying to find his rhythm. Even him. So it's part of the whole thing. But regardless of how we lost or whatever it is, it's good to have him back.”

— David Adelman, Nuggets Coach (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

The Nuggets face a physical rematch on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder, a game that will require Gordon to recover both his conditioning and timing. The team is also monitoring the condition of Jamal Murray, who left a recent game with a mild left ankle sprain and is considered day-to-day.

The takeaway

Gordon's return is a crucial development for the Nuggets as they look to maintain their competitive pace in the Western Conference. His recovery and ability to contribute consistently will significantly impact Denver's chances of securing a playoff position and pursuing championship aspirations. How Gordon manages his hamstring moving forward, alongside the availability of teammates like Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, will shape the Nuggets' momentum as the regular season progresses.