The Denver Nuggets likely would not even be in the 2022 NBA Playoffs if it was not for their superstar Nikola Jokic. The reigning MVP averaged a ridiculous 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists this season with his two biggest co-stars, Michael Porter Jr and Jamal Murray, both sidelined with injuries. The Joker appears to be the frontrunner for MVP due to his impressive play. It is admirable how he was able to keep the team afloat during the difficult season.

While his strong play will certainly be needed for the Nuggets to succeed in the playoffs, Jokic cannot beat the third-seeded Golden State Warriors singlehandedly. The overmatched Nuggets will need above-average performances from other members of the team if they hope to have any chance of securing an upset over Steph Curry's squad. In fact, there is one guy whose level of play could make a difference even beyond the Joker in this matchup.

Nuggets X-Factor in First Round of 2022 NBA Playoffs vs Warriors and it’s Not Nikola Jokic

Aaron Gordon

The career of Aaron Gordon has been an interesting one to watch. After being drafted 4th overall in the 2014 draft to the Orlando Magic, Gordon struggled to find his stride early on in his career. It took until his third and fourth season as a pro for him to begin playing major minutes. He even eclipsed 17.6 points per game at one point.

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Following the 2017-18 season where Gordon averaged a career-high 17.6 points, he seemingly hit a wall as his scoring numbers began to dip again. The Arizona product continually saw his offensive numbers fall for the remainder of his time with the Magic before being traded to the Nuggets. This was a great move for Denver as Gordon was surrounded by guys capable of scoring the basketball and he was able to flourish as a defensive specialist who could score when needed. The impressive passing of Jokic also weaponized Gordon as a cutter.

Fast-forward to this current playoff series and the Nuggets are going to need Aaron Gordon to find the scoring ability that he at one point possessed. There have been some encouraging signs as he was second on the team in scoring with 15 points per game during the regular season. But it seems likely the Nuggets will need even more from him in this series.

This is not to say that Gordon will not be needed defensively. His hands will be more than full with the Warriors' array of perimeter shooters. Even so, the Nuggets will need a massive game out of AG on both ends of the basketball court if they are to have the type of success they are hoping for.

Gordon ended the season on an extremely strong note. The 6'8” forward averaged 20 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting 60.5% from the floor during his final six regular-season games. AG was also Denver's team leader in plus/minus during this time. Look for Gordon to build off this strong end to the regular season and give his best effort in helping the Nuggets to achieve the series upset.