Getty Image / Megan Briggs
Coming into the 2023 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets, the focus on was star players like the Nuggets’ Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray and the Heat’s Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. But, in game 4 in Miami, it was Aaron Gordon who stole the show.
Aaron Gordon has played pretty well all series, and came into the game on Friday averaging 13 points a game in the series, with significant contributions on the boards, passing, and guarding Jimmy Butler.
With the Nuggets leading the series 2-1, game 4 was setting up to be crucial. A Denver win would give them the chance to win the series on their home court on Monday, a place they have only lost once all playoffs.
The Arizona product made sure they would have that chance with a masterful game 4. He had 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists on 11-15 shooting in a virtuoso performance. To illustrate just how good he was, consider that Aaron Gordon was a remarkable +29 in 42 minutes in a game his team only won by 13 points. The next closets Nuggets starter was Jamal Murray at +22.
Denver was +29 in 42 minutes with Aaron Gordon on the court, and -16 in 6 minutes without him.
— Miroslav Ćuk (@MiroslavCuk) June 10, 2023
The eighth-year man has been hurting Miami all series by posting up and sealing for lobs, usually from Nikola Jokić, and that was on display with this great finish.
"Just throw it up, I'll go get it."
Aaron Gordon breaks down his lob finish off the pass from Nikola Jokic 🔊#NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV pic.twitter.com/8wxBPHE4dN
— NBA (@NBA) June 10, 2023
a small guy tries to guard aaron gordon and he turns into 2001 shaq
— Shea Serrano (@SheaSerrano) June 10, 2023
Here’s what Jokíc had to say about Aaron Gordon’s performance.
"He won us the game, he was our best player on the floor."
Nikola Jokic on Aaron Gordon's 27-point performance in the Game 4 win 🔊#NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV pic.twitter.com/3fTJUH4FSb
— NBA (@NBA) June 10, 2023
And, he was getting a ton of praise on social media. Take a look.
Aaron Gordon and Bruce Brown pic.twitter.com/gN6FGKJPTs
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 10, 2023
How Aaron Gordon appears to the Miami Heat right now pic.twitter.com/xZckrOTV9y
— Kevin (Nuggets fan? Who knows) (@_Kevlar23_) June 10, 2023
Aaron Gordon fr just dropped 27/6/6 on 75% from three in game 4 of the Finals. No one else is ever gonna willingly wear number 50 but retire it anyways
— Bobby (@BobbyMlRE) June 10, 2023
Aaron Gordon carrying the Nuggets pic.twitter.com/BP7yu2DBaF
— iregretlikingsports (@Jimmy2424555) June 10, 2023
Aaron Gordon and his teammates will look to win the first title in franchise history when they host game 5 on Monday.