In professional basketball, superstitions and rituals often become as much a part of the game as the plays on the court. For the Denver Nuggets, a peculiar ban involving forward Aaron Gordon has coincidentally aligned with a turnaround in their playoff fortunes.
After a disappointing start to their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Nuggets found themselves trailing 0-2. Desperate times called for desperate measures, and the team turned to a familiar steakhouse in Minneapolis, a spot they frequented before games against the Timberwolves. However, this time, Aaron Gordon was notably absent from the team dinner.
The reason for Gordon’s absence remains shrouded in mystery, but the result of his missed meal was anything but. The Nuggets rallied to a commanding victory in Game 3, followed by two more wins in Games 4 and 5, flipping the narrative of the series on its head. Gordon’s performance on the court was nothing short of stellar, averaging 19.3 points per game on an impressive 69.7% shooting.
The superstition however has taken on a life of its own within the team. Gordon, once a key figure at team dinners, is now humorously banned from joining the ritual, with teammates like DeAndre Jordan playfully denying him entry.
Per The Athletic:
“DJ, y’all going to team dinner?” Gordon asked after Game 5, to which Jordan replied, “Yeah — not you though. We’ll see you next round (of the playoffs). Sorry, dawg. We’ll bring you some takeout though”.
This banter and camaraderie have not only lightened the mood but also seem to have galvanized the Nuggets. As they prepare for the next game, the question on everyone’s mind is whether this unusual superstition will continue to play a role in their success.
