Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon was very good Christmas Day in a win over the Golden State Warriors, scoring 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting while adding 10 rebounds.
The rest of his holiday did not go swimmingly.
The Nuggets announced on Wednesday that Gordon suffered injuries to his face and hand after he was bit by a dog after the game on Monday.
“He’s hanging in there. Obviously, a very traumatic experience and the most important thing I told him is that you take as much time as you need. We’re a family — wins, losses, and when people go through tough times like Aaron’s going through right now.”
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone on Aaron Gordon
Gordon ended up having to get 21 stitches. Per Malone, there is no timeline for the star forward to return. The fact that he was bit on his shooting hand will impact when Gordon is able to return to the mix.
Aaron Gordon stats (2023-24): 13.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.4 APG, 53% shooting
Gordon, 28, is extremely important to the success of the defending champs. He’s played a great all-around game this season with Denver posting a 22-10 record heading into Thursday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
But for the Nuggets, it’s now all about Gordon’s health and mental well-being after such a traumatic incident.
“We have his back. We love him. We’re here for him. So whenever he’s able to come back, we’re going to open our arms up and embrace him,” Malone on Gordon. “I told all the guys to make sure they’re reaching out to him, to make sure he’s never feeling like he’s on an island.”