It's felt a lot longer than it's been. It's when the whole clutch mess really started. The Nuggets lost their defensive MVP, Aaron Gordon, two games before the three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic returned to the lineup. And the Nuggets haven't been the same since.
But the news everyone's been waiting for has finally arrived. Aaron Gordon has been upgraded to questionable, and per Sam Amick, he's still on track to give it a go and return to the Nuggets lineup when they face the Knicks at home on the second game of a back-to-back.
It's welcome news for the Nuggets and fans alike, who've been desperately missing Gordon's presence on the court. He's a difference maker on defense and in the clutch, two of the biggest problems plaguing the Nuggets. who have done an otherwise good job of navigating all the injuries bestowed upon them this season.
Gordon's return with 19 games would give head coach David Adelman just enough time to concoct a rotation that gives the Nuggets the best chance at stopping the leaks. And there have been many.
The Nuggets have some momentum as the uphill battle begins
Gordon's return couldn't come any sooner for a Nuggets team left facing the most difficult remaining schedule in the league. They're on game two of a stretch of seven in a row against playoff-seeded teams. And two of those games are on the road against the Thunder and the Spurs.
It's a brutal stretch that truly has a playoff feel to it, with the Nuggets currently occupying the fifth seed in a loaded Western Conference. However, the Nuggets have now won two straight clutch games and have a bit of momentum on their side. And they're only one game back of the T-Wolves for the three seed.
They're even out having a little fun with the media, reminding them that it was only last year that the questions surrounding their clutch play were non-existent. Every little indicator is there. The Nuggets just needed a couple more pieces to come together.
Peyton Watson's still listed as out, but Cam Johnson may play
The official injury report confirmed that Watson will need more time to recover, but for the first time in a long time, he's the only Nugget listed as officially out. Only one. That's a nice statement in itself.
Cam Johnson and Spencer Jones were also upgraded to questionable. If all three make their returns tonight, coach Adelman will have his hands full. And that's a great problem for the Nuggets.