Aaron Gordon had another remarkable season with the Denver Nuggets in 2023-24. As an integral part of Denver’s starting lineup, which ranked second in the regular season according to net rating, Gordon’s contributions were invaluable.
Offensive Prowess and Chemistry with Nikola Jokić
Aaron Gordon filled offensive gaps admirably, excelling as a cutter and spacer in both the dunker spots and corners. His chemistry with Nikola Jokić reached new heights, leading to numerous highlight-worthy alley-oops. At one point, Gordon joked about their synergy, saying he and Jokić have a “mind meld” going on.
Defensive Versatility
On the defensive side, Aaron Gordon remained one of the Denver Nuggets’ staunchest defenders. His ability to guard opposing star forwards at a top-tier level was crucial for Denver. Moreover, Gordon’s versatility increased, allowing him to play the center position in small-ball units when Jokić sat. These lineups with Gordon at the five were particularly effective during the regular season.
Key Highlights from Aaron Gordon’s Tenth NBA Season
Aaron Gordon kicked off the season with a stellar performance on the Denver Nuggets’ Ring Night, scoring 15 points on 7-of-11 shooting, along with 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block in a 119-107 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
November saw Gordon reaching double figures in ten consecutive games. During this stretch, he recorded four of his 12 total double-doubles and grabbed at least 8 rebounds in eight games.
Aaron Gordon continued his strong performance with a double-double on Christmas Day, scoring 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting and grabbing 10 rebounds in a win over the Golden State Warriors. Just 10 days later, he tormented the Warriors again with a season-high 30 points and 9 rebounds.
February was another impressive month for Gordon, as he scored 10 or more points in twelve of thirteen games, shooting below 50 percent just once. His standout performance included a 25-point, 15-rebound outing against the Sacramento Kings on February 14th.
In April, Gordon tallied a season-high 9 assists against the Minnesota Timberwolves, contributing significantly to Denver’s second-place finish in the Western Conference.
Elevating His Game in the Postseason
Gordon took his game to another level in the postseason. He scored double-digit points in three of Denver’s five games against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round, including a 29-point, 15-rebound performance in Game 3. This achievement placed him in elite company with Nikola Jokić as one of the few Denver Nuggets to achieve such a feat in a playoff game.
In the second round against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Gordon was even more impressive. He scored in double figures in five of the seven games, with three games featuring at least 17 points. His historical night in Game 4 included 27 points on 11-of-12 shooting, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks, making him the first player in NBA history to post at least 25 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals on 90 percent shooting in a single playoff game.
Gordon followed up with another double-double in Game 5, scoring 18 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and adding 5 assists in a decisive 112-97 road victory over Minnesota.
Key Stats from Aaron Gordon’s 2023-24 Season
Aaron Gordon ranked sixth in the NBA in total dunks with 171. He and Jokić were the NBA’s best dunk tandem, with Jokić assisting on 81 of Gordon’s dunks, leading the league.
He maintained a shooting percentage of 70 percent near the rim for the fourth consecutive season, never falling below this mark as a Nugget.
Joining Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama, Gordon was one of only two players to make at least 150 dunks and 40 three-pointers in 2023-24.
Gordon was also the NBA’s best cutter according to points per possession for players with at least 100 cutting possessions.
The Denver Nuggets outscored opponents by 4 points per 100 possessions with Gordon playing center during the regular season.
Looking Ahead: Denver Nuggets
Aaron Gordon’s 2023-24 season was a testament to his growth and versatility as a player. His strong performances on both ends of the court, coupled with his chemistry with Nikola Jokić, were pivotal to the Denver Nuggets’ success. As the Nuggets look ahead, Gordon’s contributions will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of their strategy.
