Aaron Gordon reflects on his dynamic partnership with Nikola Jokic and shares bold expectations for a Denver Nuggets team poised to contend again.

IMAGE: Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) and center Nikola Jokic (15) talk during a time out against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. / Alonzo Adams / Imagn Images

Aaron Gordon’s 2025 playoff run wasn’t just about highlight-reel dunks and clutch threes – it was a testament to how his chemistry with Nikola Jokić has evolved into one of the NBA’s most quietly effective partnerships. While Jokić drew the headlines with his usual brilliance, Gordon came through with timely plays that helped keep the Denver Nuggets in the hunt during a grueling postseason.

Let’s start with the moments that defined Gordon’s playoff campaign. His buzzer-beating dunk in Game 4 against the Clippers wasn’t just a jaw-dropper – it was a momentum shifter.

That slam tied the series at two games apiece and gave the Nuggets the emotional lift they needed in a hard-fought first-round matchup. Then came the second-round opener against the Thunder, where Gordon calmly drilled a game-winning three to steal Game 1 on the road.

That shot didn’t just silence the crowd – it sent a message: Gordon was more than just a complementary piece.

But what really stood out was Gordon’s toughness. Playing through a grade 2 hamstring strain in Game 7 against Oklahoma City, he gutted it out in a do-or-die situation. Denver ultimately fell short, but his willingness to fight through pain spoke volumes about his commitment to the team and the moment.

And through it all, the connection between Gordon and Jokić only grew stronger. Their on-court synergy has become a real weapon for Denver – not necessarily flashy, but incredibly effective.

Jokić did what he always does: 26.2 points, 12.7 boards, and 8.0 assists a night over 14 playoff games. That’s MVP-caliber production, plain and simple.

And Gordon? He held his own with 16.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game – numbers that speak to his well-rounded and often underappreciated impact.

Gordon recently opened up about what it’s like playing next to Jokić, and his respect for the big man is clear.

“He’s amazing,” Gordon said during an appearance on NBA Today. “It’s an amazing experience to get to know him and to play around one of the best players, if not the best player, of all time.”

He went on to describe a now-iconic moment – that alley-oop dunk – and how it stemmed from Jokić’s gravitational pull on the defense.

“Everybody in the gym thought [his shot] was going in,” Gordon said, recounting the play. “I was just in my spot doing what I do, being in the right place at the right time.”

That’s the essence of Gordon’s game alongside Jokić: smart, instinctive, and ready to capitalize on the chaos Jokić creates. And the bond between them isn’t just tactical – it’s personal.

“We have a great understanding with each other on and off the basketball floor,” Gordon said. “You guys are going to see that flourish.”

Looking ahead, there’s every reason to believe Denver is still firmly in the title conversation. Their starting five – Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Cam Johnson, Gordon, and Jokić – brings a blend of skill, toughness, and playoff experience that few teams can match.

And the bench? It’s deep, with Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., Julian Strawther, Peyton Watson, and Jonas Valančiūnas all capable of stepping in and making an impact.

The Western Conference is as brutal as ever, and the Thunder proved they’re a force to be reckoned with. But make no mistake – the Nuggets are built to last.

With Jokić still performing at an elite level and Gordon embracing his role as the perfect complementary piece, Denver isn’t just trying to keep up. They’re coming back for more.

And if that connection between Jokić and Gordon continues to evolve? The rest of the league better pay attention. This duo is just getting started.