Aaron Gordon (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The Denver Nuggets have emerged as a legitimate contender in the NBA. Much of their success hinges on the multifaceted play of Nikola Jokic, the reigning MVP. But surrounding Jokic are a cast of talented scorers, each with their own unique role within the team’s offensive system. One such player is Aaron Gordon, whose recent success highlights the adaptability required to thrive alongside superstars.

Gordon’s athleticism and finishing ability have always been evident, but his mastery of a specific role—the dunker spot—has led to his recent rise in Denver. This seemingly simple area on the court, just below the free-throw line, has become a launchpad for Gordon’s offensive production.

In a recent interview, Gordon shed light on the strategic brilliance behind his dunker spot dominance: “These guys are so good that I’m playing with… they demand so much attention on the offensive side… then I’m just lurking on the baseline.” This statement perfectly encapsulates Gordon’s current effectiveness.

Jokic and Jamal Murray are unstoppable forces on the offensive end, commanding the full attention of opposing defenses. Gordon is then free to make backdoor cutbacks, alley-oop finishes, and putbacks with ease. Gordon’s execution of “playing within the system,” a concept often discussed but rarely executed with such precision, is a prime demonstration.

Nuggets coach Michael Malone believes Aaron Gordon contributed hugely in Game 3 vs.  Lakers

Gordon’s dunker’s spot skill is simple but beautiful. He doesn’t have to be a major ball-handler or generate his own shot, which can frustrate great defenders. His teammates create offensive possibilities, which he takes advantage of. Gordon scored a playoff-high 29 points and dominated the dunker in postseason game 3 against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Nuggets coach Michael Malone praised Aaron Gordon’s game performance, highlighting his versatility in various roles on the court. “We need him to be an anchor for the second unit, kind of like what Nikola does for us when he’s out there,” he stated. Gordon had quite the workload in the game, but he handled it with finesse, shooting an impressive 12-of-18 from the field and going 5-6 from the free throw line in 41 minutes. “We asked a lot of Aaron Gordon tonight and he delivered,” Malone concluded.