Ranking the Top 10 players in the Nuggets-Timberwolves series

7) Aaron Gordon

Like Gobert is for the Timberwolves, Aaron Gordon is the defensive anchor for the Nuggets. He can guard all five positions, and he can get cooking on offense when Denver really needs him to.

In Game 3 against the Lakers, Gordon led the Nuggets in scoring with 29 points and 15 rebounds on 12-of-18 shooting. While Denver’s starting backcourt shot a combined 10-of-29 from the field, Air Gordon stepped up. Gordon’s five offensive rebounds tied Jokic for a team-high mark, and the gritty forward’s unwavering effort allowed the Nuggets to take an insurmountable 3-0 lead. 

Originally known for his NBA Dunk Contest appearances, Gordon has redefined himself as one of Jokic’s biggest beneficiaries in the Nuggets offense. The versatile high-flyer can still get up with the best of them, but he often solves opposing defenses with his physicality and ability to move without the ball as a cutter.

While he only shot 1-for-10 from three in the first round, Gordon is capable of hitting open jumpers. He shot 39.1% from distance during last year’s championship run, a far cry from his 20.0% clip in the 2022 playoffs.

While he did his job well against the Lakers with averages of 13.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, Gordon is working hard to improve upon some of the flaws that affected his individual game in the first round.