Nikola Jokic can contribute to everything for the Nuggets, and he does on a nightly basis, but he can't do it all. He's combined with Jamal Murray for one of the best two-man games the NBA has ever seen. But it's the third wheel of the group, Aaron Gordon, that gives the Nuggets the added piece they need for a championship run, and the winning edge.
Gordon has been a massive boost since his return from a hamstring injury in early March. He's played in 13 out of 17 of those games, and the Nuggets have won 10, including the last 10 in a row, the longest winning streak of the Jokic era.
And Gordon's given the Nuggets the lockdown defense they desperately needed in the clutch. He got stops on Victor Wembanyama and put the Nuggets in position to force overtime and eventually pick up the win. Gordon got low, didn't let Wemby force his way around him, and elevated with a hand in his face for a contested jumper. Wemby was just 1-4 in the clutch, for only 4 points.
Gordon has developed into a perimeter shooter
Gordon has been hitting big threes for the Nuggets late in games, and he's turned into quite a great shooter that the Nuggets can rely on. So much so that on the new "Brian Windhorst and the Hoop Collective" podcast, Tim MacMahon said he even thinks Gordon gives the Nuggets a "championship trio."
It seems like an eternity now, but Gordon put that on display on the opening night of the season. He scored a 50 burger against the Golden State Warriors with 10 made three pointers. It was a statement that his game had transitioned.
In concert with Jokic and Murray, it makes for a formidable trio. Hopefully, a championship trio.
Gordon brings the vibes and the wins to the Nuggets
Gordon has been central to the Nuggets' record this season. The Nuggets are above average without Gordon, at 25-19. But with Gordon, they're an elite 27-9. That's nearly a 60-win pace.
And it's no wonder. After the victory over the Spurs, Cam Johnson called Gordon an "aura curator." To which Gordon said, "I curate the vibes, man. I bring the vibes."
Gordon most certainly does bring the vibes. He got stop number one on Wemby in the clutch, and you could feel the energy shift. The Nuggets were going to do it this time. They weren't going to have another clutch failure. They had AG, Mr. Nugget, around to get stops now.
And that's the difference Gordon has been making for the Nuggets. The winning vibes have brought the wins.