Denver Nuggets: 3 things we learned from Game 2 against the Trail Blazers
By Liam Clark
![Nikola Jokic #15 and Aaron Gordon #50 of the Denver Nuggets exchange words with Robert Covington #23 and CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) Nikola Jokic #15 and Aaron Gordon #50 of the Denver Nuggets exchange words with Robert Covington #23 and CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/eeba5dc0b30cc97dcf03f4ebdd10b0678f0bd8686a6fb13d3be11c7098909420.jpg)
Denver Nuggets: Aaron Gordon’s two-way play
As mentioned earlier and by our Site Expert Sean Carroll in a separate piece, Aaron Gordon did a terrific job at shutting down Damian Lillard in the second half. After an exceptional first half, Lillard was kept to just ten points in the second half, with his offensive struggles spelling the end for any comeback run the Trail Blazers may have hoped for.
Lillard’s struggles can be linked to Aaron Gordon’s exceptional defense played on Dame in the third quarter. Gordon showcased throughout the game his defensive capabilities, as he was able to lock down players both big and small. However, he further showed his two-way capabilities on the offensive end of the floor.
Gordon had 13 points and six rebounds, managing to hit two big three pointers in the process. While many have spoken about how big a move adding AG was for the Nuggets, this playoff series is starting to showcase some of the capabilities he can bring the team when they need it the most. This series will hinge on whether Gordon can keep up his brilliant performance on both ends of the floor and help defend the best players on the Blazers.