The pressure has begun to bubble in Oklahoma. After a red-hot start to the series, the Thunder are suddenly staring down a serious problem; a resurgent Denver Nuggets squad that looks increasingly like the team that lifted the Larry O’Brien trophy two seasons ago. In the heat of this Western Conference Semifinals, each possession has turned into a battle, and each injury update holds the weight of the entire season.
For Denver, the path hasn’t been smooth. While the Thunder enjoyed extended rest following their sweep over the Grizzlies, the Nuggets crawled through a bruising seven-game series against the Clippers. Game 1 painted a familiar picture: youthful confidence from OKC and seasoned resilience from Denver. But now, heading into Game 5 with the series tied 2-2, the big question looms: Can the Nuggets keep pushing forward with Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. still nursing battle scars?
Well, here’s the answer fans have been waiting for! Both Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. are expected to suit up tonight for Game 5, per ESPN’s latest injury update on May 13. Despite the relentless wear and tear of the postseason, neither star has been listed on the official injury report for Tuesday’s game. The only names ruled out are Hunter Tyson, who continues to recover from an ankle injury, and DaRon Holmes II, still out due to his lingering Achilles issue. Gordon and Porter may not be at 100%, but their commitment to staying on the floor has become one of Denver’s most powerful statements in these playoffs.
Let’s be clear: these aren’t just empty minutes. Porter Jr., fighting through a Grade 2 ankle sprain with periodic lidocaine injections, still managed to post 21 points and 8 rebounds in Game 3. His floor-spacing ability has been crucial against OKC’s suffocating paint defense.
“They said it would be 4-6 weeks. I’m not doing that,” he said postgame, his words echoing the grit that has come to define this Nuggets core. Aaron Gordon, meanwhile, has been nothing short of heroic. With a game-winner in the opener and a game-tying dagger in the overtime thriller in Game 3, AG is averaging 14.7 points on red-hot 53.1% shooting, filling every gap the Thunder try to exploit.
Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) before the game Utah Jazz at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
These moments of sacrifice and clutch execution are more than individual feats; they’re reminders of what championship DNA looks like. Denver hasn’t leaned solely on Nikola Jokic’s brilliance this series. In fact, during Game 3’s OT win, Jokic went 0-for-10 from deep and turned the ball over eight times. But Denver still found a way. That speaks volumes about the roster’s depth, and more importantly, its heart.
As Gordon aptly put it, “We know what it takes to get to that mountain top.” And right now, it’s clear they’re willing to climb through the pain.
But tonight, the climb gets even steeper. As the series shifts back to Oklahoma for Game 5, the stage is set for another battle, one that could tilt the momentum for good. With Gordon and Porter Jr. confirmed for action, all eyes now turn to how Denver plans to silence the Thunder crowd once again.
All eyes on game 5; Can the Thunder regain their grip?
Game 5 isn’t just about gaining a lead; it’s about taking control of the series. For the Thunder, this is their redemption shot. After coughing up two winnable games, including a heartbreaking overtime loss in Game 3, they’ve got their backs against the wall. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will have to channel his superstar energy into more than just stats. It’s about leadership, late-game poise, and converting big moments into wins. The Thunder may be the younger squad, but the time for growing pains is over.
Meanwhile, Denver has steadily leaned into their championship DNA. Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr.’s return to full strength couldn’t have come at a better time. Their presence widens the floor, deepens the rotation, and gives Nikola Jokic the breathing room he’s been lacking all series. The Nuggets aren’t winning with just talent—they’re surviving on toughness, timing, and trust.
The emotional grit Porter showed by suiting up through injury speaks volumes. And with Gordon once again proving to be their closer, this team is playing with a kind of cohesion the Thunder still haven’t cracked. Let’s take a look at how the Nuggets might line up heading into tonight’s pivotal battle-
POS
NAME
SG
Christian Braun
SF
Michael Porter Jr.
PG
Jamal Murray
PF
Aaron Gordon
C
Nikola Jokic
So, what will Game 5 bring? The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the margin for error is razor-thin. This one isn’t about desire; it’s about execution. With both squads at full strength, the excuses are off the table. It’s now up to the stars, the strategy, and the sheer will to win. Every possession, every decision will count.
Buckle up, because this series just hit a whole new level.
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