Fri Jan 24 03:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Nuggets Find Bench Solution in Unexpected Pairing: Gordon and Jordan Spark Second Unit
**Denver, CO** – The Denver Nuggets, perennial contenders hampered by a historically weak bench, may have stumbled upon a solution in the unlikely pairing of Aaron Gordon and DeAndre Jordan. While the team has struggled with a significant drop-off in performance when star center Nikola Jokic sits, lineups featuring Gordon and Jordan have dramatically outperformed expectations.
For years, the Nuggets have ranked among the league’s worst in bench performance, a stark contrast to Jokic’s on-court dominance. In fact, Jokic consistently leads the league in on/off court differential, highlighting the team’s struggles when he rests.
However, since Gordon’s return from injury on January 12th and subsequent move to the bench, a positive shift has emerged. Lineups with Gordon, particularly those including Jordan at center, have shown a remarkable +8.9 point differential per 100 possessions when Jokic is off the court. This is in stark contrast to the team’s historically negative bench performance. In a recent five-game stretch, the Nuggets’ bench boasted a league-leading +6.0 net rating.
The Gordon-Jordan combination has yielded even more impressive results, boasting a staggering +17.8 point differential per 100 possessions. While the sample size is still relatively small, the impact is undeniable.
This newfound success presents a challenge for coach Michael Malone. Gordon, a key starter and high-salaried player, is expected to return to the starting lineup upon full recovery. However, the coaching staff must explore creative ways to strategically stagger Gordon’s minutes to ensure continued bench success. Maximizing Jordan’s minutes alongside Gordon also offers the added benefit of potentially reducing Jokic’s workload, a crucial factor for the team’s playoff hopes. The future may hold a new, improved second unit for Denver, regardless of the starting lineup.
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