Latest news with #PeytonWatson
New York Times
18-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Latest on Gordon
Denver and Oklahoma City face off with the winner advancing to the Western Conference finals Getty Images Team sources tell me that Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon is expected to warm up with about an hour left before tip-off and make his decision from there. It seems improbable, if not impossible, that he could compete in a high-level playoff game with such a serious injury, but team sources say the Nuggets went through a walk-through as a team yesterday with Gordon part of the game plan. Gordon, meanwhile, has been telling people within the team since yesterday that he plans on giving it a go. We shall see. Alonzo Adams / Imagn Images Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon has a Grade 2 hamstring strain, a team source confirmed to The Athletic , which is going to put his status for Sunday afternoon even more in doubt. Gordon was injured in Game 6, and although there is still a feeling within the Nuggets that Gordon will try and give it a go against Oklahoma City, it is looking increasingly doubtful that it can happen. Without Gordon, Peyton Watson is in line for a big load of minutes and responsibility. He is a 6-foot-8 forward who brings a real shot of athleticism, defense, energy and rim protection to Denver's lineup. But he has never been in this big a moment with this big of a spotlight on him. He will have to come up big if the Nuggets are going to have a chance to win. The Thunder are 6-5 in NBA playoff Game 7s all-time dating back to their days as the Seattle SuperSonics. Their last Game 7 came in the first round of the 2020 NBA playoffs, which were played in the Disney World "Bubble" in Orlando due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Thunder lost that game to the Houston Rockets. Russell Westbrook also played in that game, and also did so against the Thunder franchise that drafted him and that he won an MVP with in 2017. Westbrook had 20 points in the Rockets victory. Getty Images Denver could become one just the 19th team in NBA history to win multiple Game 7s in the same playoffs. Of course, the Nuggets did that in the 2020 playoffs in the bubble. Only the 1988 Lakers won three Game 7s in the same postseason. Getty Images The Denver Nuggets could be without starting power forward Aaron Gordon for Game 7. An MRI revealed that Gordon has sustained a strained hamstring, putting his availability for the second-round series finale against the Oklahoma City Thunder in doubt, team sources confirmed to The Athletic. Gordon will officially be listed as questionable for Sunday afternoon's contest at Paycom Center, team sources told The Athletic . Gordon will continue receiving treatment in the days and hours leading up to the game, in the hope to try and play, according to those sources. Read more below. Getty Images "I'm just glad we won," Jamal Murray told ESPN after his 25-point, 8-rebound, 7-assist performance while battling the flu. He shook his head dismissively when asked if there was any chance of his missing Game 6 after waking up sick early this morning. Getty Images In Game 6, with a golden opportunity to advance to their first conference finals in a decade, the Thunder were flat. There were a myriad of lead changes on Thursday evening, but instead of Oklahoma City flexing its 68-win muscles, it was Denver who played with necessary desperation to extend its season and keep the series dream alive. Jalen Williams, who struggled yet again to be a consistent second option, finished with just six points on 3-for-16 shooting, despite leading all players in assists. At the other end, Murray was in constant attack mode. Williams can't afford another game like that if the Thunder have any realistic hopes of getting to a conference final. Through six games, it's clear that the Nuggets have more offensive weapons. If Oklahoma City can't match Denver's firepower on Sunday, it'll need to be tactically sound in all phases of gameplay to advance. Getty Images For the first time in over two weeks, Denver will have more than one day of rest between games. The Nuggets have been running on fumes for much of this series because they went seven games against the LA Clippers, and then boarded a plane that Sunday and started the series against the Thunder that Monday. 'Guys looked more happy to have two days off than to be going to a Game 7,' Denver interim head coach David Adelman said. That's going to be important. Aaron Gordon grabbed at his hamstring late in the fourth quarter of Game 6. The Nuggets can ill-afford to be without him on Sunday, or to even have a hobbled version of him. Adelman said the concern level is 'high.' The Nuggets also get some rest for Murray and Jokić. Denver knew it had to come up with one win on Thursday night, and the Nuggets were able to come up with that win and give themselves some much-needed rest. Getty Images DENVER — The celebrations began before the final buzzer had even sounded, Denver Nuggets players hugging and congratulating each other on a job well done, a series extended and a season saved. At the opposite end of the court, a thick layer of melancholy was present. Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault ducked under the tunnel, fidgeting with his fingers as if he was attempting to draw up a play that would alleviate his team's collective pain. One by one, the players headed for the locker room, their heads looking at the ground — all while the boos from Ball Arena rained down upon them. And for as much optimism as the locker room portrayed after the fact, there was no escaping the reality that Oklahoma City had let a golden opportunity slip. On Thursday night, the Thunder had a chance — several chances, to be honest — to put the Nuggets away. To avoid the tension and nervousness that can come with a Game 7. To advance to their first Western Conference finals in nearly a decade. They didn't. Read more on the Thunder's Game 6 loss below. GO FURTHER Thunder fall flat against the Nuggets and now face the pressure of Game 7 Imagn Images Matthew C.: That was an amazing performance last night by him. Donald M.: Regardless of how this series finishes, I'm cautiously optimistic about the Nuggets solving their depth issue next season. If Braun, Strawther, Pickett, and Watson all just take a reasonable step forward-- a likely scenario for players that are in their early 20s-- it'll be a big deal. Patrick M.: This feels like a tangible difference from how Malone would've approached this. I can't envision him calling on Strawther in an elimination game and giving him this opportunity. Good on Adelman for taking the risk, knowing we needed the shooting badly. John R.: Makes me wonder if Malone was coaching if Strawther would have played. That was an issue with Watson last year. Getty Images DENVER — Julian Strawther heads to Ball Arena and goes through the same mundane and tedious routine, often wondering if or when it will lead to substantial playing time for the Denver Nuggets. But he goes through the routine, regardless. It's part of his job as a professional ballplayer, and he knows that's what will keep him in the NBA beyond his current rookie-scale contract. He gets taped and changes into his practice gear. He goes through film with his player development coach, Nuggets assistant John Beckett. And then he gets on the floor and shoots. And shoots. And then shoots some more. 'It's my job to get these shots up,' Strawther said. On Thursday night, Strawther played the role of hero for Denver, which forced a Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 119-107 home win. The Nuggets won while playing for a ninth time in 17 days. They survived a pulled left hamstring from Aaron Gordon, a sickness from Jamal Murray that forced IV treatment earlier in the day and a first-half run by the Thunder that left them staring down the barrel of the end of their season. Read more on the Nuggets below. GO FURTHER Julian Strawther answers Nuggets' desperate call for depth in Game 6 vs. Thunder Getty Images Who deserves to win NBA MVP this year? Will the winner of this series go on to win the NBA Finals? And who will be the X-factor in this massive Game 7? We want to hear your thoughts on all of the above and anything else you have to say about this game! Just send us an email: live@ We'll feature some of our favorite submissions throughout today's coverage! And if you already subscribe to The Athletic , you can also get involved by heading over to the "Discuss" tab at the top of this page on our website and app. Getty Images Game 7 of the NBA playoffs Western Conference semifinals series between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder is set to tip off at 3:30 p.m. ET. That's 2:30 p.m. CT local time in Oklahoma City and 1:30 p.m. MT in Denver. Getty Images Game 7 of the NBA playoffs Western Conference semifinals series between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder will be broadcast on ABC. You can also stream the game on Fubo. Getty Images No, the postseason doesn't factor into the NBA MVP race. It's a regular season award for which the votes were submitted weeks ago. But, we're about to get a winner-take-all Game 7 between the two frontrunners, three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and ascending superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. And whatever happens today will go a long way towards how each of their MVP-worthy 2024-25 seasons is remembered. Getty Images Hello basketball fans and welcome to The Athletic's live coverage of something defined by two of the greatest words in sports: Game 7. That's right, it's win or go home for the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder in their NBA playoffs Western Conference semifinals series. The winner will secure a spot in the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The loser will see their season end after what has already become an instant classic of a playoff series. So stick with us as our team of NBA experts on the ground in Oklahoma City will have you covered until opening tip and through the final buzzer! Getty Images Jordan H.: As a Bulls fan with no horse in the race, I'm just enjoying the series. I figured Denver would make this interesting, but not to go 7. OKCs youth vs Denver's experience. Hope the game is good, Adam O.: Gordon was grabbing his hamstring in the final 2 minutes and that is something to keep an eye on. Denver is in trouble if he's playing on one leg or if he can't play at all. Anonymous: Man. I love both of these teams. I'm mystified by the change in Jokic's performance, he's so good, I assume he's trying to force other players to stay involved. After watching last night's game and those two young guys, I did think maybe they should rehire Calvin Booth, the kids were getting it done but also seemed a bit under seasoned. Paul B.: Lots of guys struggle in the playoffs early in their careers, and it's easy to forget how young OKC is. But Williams and other guys will shoot better down the road.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'Going to be ready behind him' - Peyton Watson makes a positive remark on Aaron Gordon's possible return to play ahead of Game 7
Peyton Watson makes a positive remark on Aaron Gordon's possible return to play ahead of Game 7 (Image Credit: Getty Images) Denver Nuggets coach David Adelman is hopeful about Aaron Gordon 's return to Game 7 on Sunday. At the same time, he is keeping the alternatives ready. Peyton Watson, showing exemplary camaraderie, boosted his teammate's morale by praising him with kind words and shared how he is going to step up if the requirement arises. Peyton Watson heaped praise on Aaron Gordon, hoping for his return in Game 7 Aaron Gordon was forced to remain out of action during the regular season due to a hamstring injury , but he is sending positive vibes ahead of Game 7. Though his playing is going to remain a game-time decision, his participation in the practice session made the environment positive in the Denver Nuggets camp. Talking about Aaron Gordon's strengths and willingness to play, his teammate Peyton said: by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 35 & Earning? Protect Your Family with ₹1 Cr Life Cover ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo 'We know he's going to try to tough it out and play in that game. But should he not be able to go out there and be himself, I'm ready to step up and do whatever is asked of me.' Peyton Watson on Aaron Gordon & READY For Nuggets GAME 7 vs Thunder Peyton's words showed preparedness to handle any eventuality if the medical staff doesn't approve Aaron Gordon's return to play. Commenting further on Gordon's love for the game and desperation to return to action, he said: 'I know how much he wants to play, and I think he has 1,000% intentions of going out there and trying his best to play, and for that alone, we're proud of him. So no matter what ends up happening, we're all going to be ready behind him, but we're pushing for him.' Peyton Watson explained Aaron Gordon's injury and its impact For any player, fitness is a matter of paramount importance. Aaron Gordon, hit by a hamstring injury, must have gone through a lot. Sharing the nature and impact of Gordon's injury, Peyton Watson said: 'It's tough. It's super-taxing, because with that hamstring, soft tissue injuries, it hurts to do anything.' He further elaborated, 'It hurts to bend over in a defensive stance. It hurts to get out of bed. It hurts to brush your teeth in the morning. It's just one of those things that nags at you.' David Adelman has his game plan ready. The atmosphere will definitely be different if Gordon makes it to the court. However, Adelman has chosen Peyton Watson, Russell Westbrook, and Zeke Nnaji to assign more responsibilities should Gordon miss the decisive Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Also Read: Denver's Aaron Gordon's Game 7 status in doubt after hamstring injury: How Nuggets adjust could decide series Aaron Gordon appeared in a practice session and is taking the recovery very seriously. His teammates are rooting for him and are by his side, giving him all the support he needs to return to the game. However, whether he will play or not will be confirmed at the game-time only. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
The Advertiser
12-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Thunder fix crunch time woes, level NBA playoffs series
The young but top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder have finally outplayed the Denver Nuggets in crunch time, winning 92-87 to level their NBA Western Conference semi-final series at 2-2. All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way in Sunday's away victory, scoring 25 points. The Thunder trailed 69-63 after three quarters and fell behind by eight when Peyton Watson started the fourth quarter by swishing a hook shot. But Oklahoma City used an 11-0 run fueled by reserves Cason Wallace, who had a pair of 3-pointers, and Aaron Wiggins, who added another, to take control. The Nuggets had outlasted the youngest team in the NBA with wins in Games 1 and 3, crediting their playoff experience and championship pedigree. And they looked poised to put the regular season leaders on the cusp of elimination when Aaron Gordon's turnaround jumper made it 73-66. This time, however, it was the Thunder who came up big down the stretch and the Nuggets who fumbled away the chance to put OKC in a 3-1 hole. "We kind of lost our way defensively, especially in the third, but did a great job of course-correcting to start the fourth," said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. "That group to start the fourth was huge to give us a lead, and then the defence down the stretch was really, really good." Game 5 is Tuesday night back in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder had a 43-point blowout of the Nuggets in Game 2. Nikola Jokic led Denver with 27 points and 13 rebounds. Christian Braun and Jamal Murray each had 17 points and Gordon scored 15. Michael Porter Jr. scored just three points after scoring 15 Friday night. Wiggins and Wallace each added 11 points and Alex Caruso and Jalen Williams each scored 10. Williams was 2 for 13 from the floor after scoring 32 in Game 3. Both teams went 3 for 22 from deep in the first half and they slumbered through a combined 25-point first quarter, which tied an NBA playoff record for fewest points in the opening quarter. Oklahoma City were ahead 42-36 at the half. "Give their team credit," said Nuggets interim coach David Adelman. "In a disgusting basketball game, they did enough to win." The young but top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder have finally outplayed the Denver Nuggets in crunch time, winning 92-87 to level their NBA Western Conference semi-final series at 2-2. All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way in Sunday's away victory, scoring 25 points. The Thunder trailed 69-63 after three quarters and fell behind by eight when Peyton Watson started the fourth quarter by swishing a hook shot. But Oklahoma City used an 11-0 run fueled by reserves Cason Wallace, who had a pair of 3-pointers, and Aaron Wiggins, who added another, to take control. The Nuggets had outlasted the youngest team in the NBA with wins in Games 1 and 3, crediting their playoff experience and championship pedigree. And they looked poised to put the regular season leaders on the cusp of elimination when Aaron Gordon's turnaround jumper made it 73-66. This time, however, it was the Thunder who came up big down the stretch and the Nuggets who fumbled away the chance to put OKC in a 3-1 hole. "We kind of lost our way defensively, especially in the third, but did a great job of course-correcting to start the fourth," said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. "That group to start the fourth was huge to give us a lead, and then the defence down the stretch was really, really good." Game 5 is Tuesday night back in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder had a 43-point blowout of the Nuggets in Game 2. Nikola Jokic led Denver with 27 points and 13 rebounds. Christian Braun and Jamal Murray each had 17 points and Gordon scored 15. Michael Porter Jr. scored just three points after scoring 15 Friday night. Wiggins and Wallace each added 11 points and Alex Caruso and Jalen Williams each scored 10. Williams was 2 for 13 from the floor after scoring 32 in Game 3. Both teams went 3 for 22 from deep in the first half and they slumbered through a combined 25-point first quarter, which tied an NBA playoff record for fewest points in the opening quarter. Oklahoma City were ahead 42-36 at the half. "Give their team credit," said Nuggets interim coach David Adelman. "In a disgusting basketball game, they did enough to win." The young but top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder have finally outplayed the Denver Nuggets in crunch time, winning 92-87 to level their NBA Western Conference semi-final series at 2-2. All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way in Sunday's away victory, scoring 25 points. The Thunder trailed 69-63 after three quarters and fell behind by eight when Peyton Watson started the fourth quarter by swishing a hook shot. But Oklahoma City used an 11-0 run fueled by reserves Cason Wallace, who had a pair of 3-pointers, and Aaron Wiggins, who added another, to take control. The Nuggets had outlasted the youngest team in the NBA with wins in Games 1 and 3, crediting their playoff experience and championship pedigree. And they looked poised to put the regular season leaders on the cusp of elimination when Aaron Gordon's turnaround jumper made it 73-66. This time, however, it was the Thunder who came up big down the stretch and the Nuggets who fumbled away the chance to put OKC in a 3-1 hole. "We kind of lost our way defensively, especially in the third, but did a great job of course-correcting to start the fourth," said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. "That group to start the fourth was huge to give us a lead, and then the defence down the stretch was really, really good." Game 5 is Tuesday night back in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder had a 43-point blowout of the Nuggets in Game 2. Nikola Jokic led Denver with 27 points and 13 rebounds. Christian Braun and Jamal Murray each had 17 points and Gordon scored 15. Michael Porter Jr. scored just three points after scoring 15 Friday night. Wiggins and Wallace each added 11 points and Alex Caruso and Jalen Williams each scored 10. Williams was 2 for 13 from the floor after scoring 32 in Game 3. Both teams went 3 for 22 from deep in the first half and they slumbered through a combined 25-point first quarter, which tied an NBA playoff record for fewest points in the opening quarter. Oklahoma City were ahead 42-36 at the half. "Give their team credit," said Nuggets interim coach David Adelman. "In a disgusting basketball game, they did enough to win." The young but top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder have finally outplayed the Denver Nuggets in crunch time, winning 92-87 to level their NBA Western Conference semi-final series at 2-2. All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way in Sunday's away victory, scoring 25 points. The Thunder trailed 69-63 after three quarters and fell behind by eight when Peyton Watson started the fourth quarter by swishing a hook shot. But Oklahoma City used an 11-0 run fueled by reserves Cason Wallace, who had a pair of 3-pointers, and Aaron Wiggins, who added another, to take control. The Nuggets had outlasted the youngest team in the NBA with wins in Games 1 and 3, crediting their playoff experience and championship pedigree. And they looked poised to put the regular season leaders on the cusp of elimination when Aaron Gordon's turnaround jumper made it 73-66. This time, however, it was the Thunder who came up big down the stretch and the Nuggets who fumbled away the chance to put OKC in a 3-1 hole. "We kind of lost our way defensively, especially in the third, but did a great job of course-correcting to start the fourth," said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. "That group to start the fourth was huge to give us a lead, and then the defence down the stretch was really, really good." Game 5 is Tuesday night back in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder had a 43-point blowout of the Nuggets in Game 2. Nikola Jokic led Denver with 27 points and 13 rebounds. Christian Braun and Jamal Murray each had 17 points and Gordon scored 15. Michael Porter Jr. scored just three points after scoring 15 Friday night. Wiggins and Wallace each added 11 points and Alex Caruso and Jalen Williams each scored 10. Williams was 2 for 13 from the floor after scoring 32 in Game 3. Both teams went 3 for 22 from deep in the first half and they slumbered through a combined 25-point first quarter, which tied an NBA playoff record for fewest points in the opening quarter. Oklahoma City were ahead 42-36 at the half. "Give their team credit," said Nuggets interim coach David Adelman. "In a disgusting basketball game, they did enough to win."
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Thunder fix crunch time woes, level NBA playoffs series
The young but top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder have finally outplayed the Denver Nuggets in crunch time, winning 92-87 to level their NBA Western Conference semi-final series at 2-2. All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way in Sunday's away victory, scoring 25 points. The Thunder trailed 69-63 after three quarters and fell behind by eight when Peyton Watson started the fourth quarter by swishing a hook shot. But Oklahoma City used an 11-0 run fueled by reserves Cason Wallace, who had a pair of 3-pointers, and Aaron Wiggins, who added another, to take control. The Nuggets had outlasted the youngest team in the NBA with wins in Games 1 and 3, crediting their playoff experience and championship pedigree. And they looked poised to put the regular season leaders on the cusp of elimination when Aaron Gordon's turnaround jumper made it 73-66. This time, however, it was the Thunder who came up big down the stretch and the Nuggets who fumbled away the chance to put OKC in a 3-1 hole. After the OKC win teams in this year's playoffs: 28-28Away teams in this year's Conference Semifinals: 10-3#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google — NBA (@NBA) May 11, 2025 "We kind of lost our way defensively, especially in the third, but did a great job of course-correcting to start the fourth," said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. "That group to start the fourth was huge to give us a lead, and then the defence down the stretch was really, really good." Game 5 is Tuesday night back in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder had a 43-point blowout of the Nuggets in Game 2. Nikola Jokic led Denver with 27 points and 13 rebounds. Christian Braun and Jamal Murray each had 17 points and Gordon scored 15. Michael Porter Jr. scored just three points after scoring 15 Friday night. Wiggins and Wallace each added 11 points and Alex Caruso and Jalen Williams each scored 10. Williams was 2 for 13 from the floor after scoring 32 in Game 3. Both teams went 3 for 22 from deep in the first half and they slumbered through a combined 25-point first quarter, which tied an NBA playoff record for fewest points in the opening quarter. Oklahoma City were ahead 42-36 at the half. "Give their team credit," said Nuggets interim coach David Adelman. "In a disgusting basketball game, they did enough to win."
West Australian
12-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Thunder fix crunch time woes, level NBA playoffs series
The young but top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder have finally outplayed the Denver Nuggets in crunch time, winning 92-87 to level their NBA Western Conference semi-final series at 2-2. All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way in Sunday's away victory, scoring 25 points. The Thunder trailed 69-63 after three quarters and fell behind by eight when Peyton Watson started the fourth quarter by swishing a hook shot. But Oklahoma City used an 11-0 run fueled by reserves Cason Wallace, who had a pair of 3-pointers, and Aaron Wiggins, who added another, to take control. The Nuggets had outlasted the youngest team in the NBA with wins in Games 1 and 3, crediting their playoff experience and championship pedigree. And they looked poised to put the regular season leaders on the cusp of elimination when Aaron Gordon's turnaround jumper made it 73-66. This time, however, it was the Thunder who came up big down the stretch and the Nuggets who fumbled away the chance to put OKC in a 3-1 hole. "We kind of lost our way defensively, especially in the third, but did a great job of course-correcting to start the fourth," said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. "That group to start the fourth was huge to give us a lead, and then the defence down the stretch was really, really good." Game 5 is Tuesday night back in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder had a 43-point blowout of the Nuggets in Game 2. Nikola Jokic led Denver with 27 points and 13 rebounds. Christian Braun and Jamal Murray each had 17 points and Gordon scored 15. Michael Porter Jr. scored just three points after scoring 15 Friday night. Wiggins and Wallace each added 11 points and Alex Caruso and Jalen Williams each scored 10. Williams was 2 for 13 from the floor after scoring 32 in Game 3. Both teams went 3 for 22 from deep in the first half and they slumbered through a combined 25-point first quarter, which tied an NBA playoff record for fewest points in the opening quarter. Oklahoma City were ahead 42-36 at the half. "Give their team credit," said Nuggets interim coach David Adelman. "In a disgusting basketball game, they did enough to win."
