The Western Conference took some time to catch up this season, but now the Denver Nuggets seem to be the team to beat. While the attention is on Nikola Jokic’s MVP performance and the return of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon has been the Nuggets’ unsung hero this season.

Jokic talks about Gordon’s breakup with Camila.

With Murray and Porter adjusting to NBA action, Gordon faced increased responsibility to assist early in the season. While Gordon has produced, we have not slowed down this season. Gordon is having the best season of his career (16.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.6 APG, 59.3 FG%), leading Denver to the West’s top seed.

Gordon’s numbers are not significantly different from his career averages, but his efficiency has transformed him into a completely different player this season. Gordon’s frontcourt colleague, Jokic, has clarified why he believes Gordon is having a career year in Denver right now.

According to Harrison Wind on X, Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon dine at Gradska Kafana, a restaurant located in downtown Sombor. Visit https://t.co/L1XYL8yZ6j” / X.

“I tҺink tҺis year Һe’s playinɡ really siмpler.” — Nikola Jokic, Denver Post.

Harrison Wind on X: “I’ve heard Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon eat together at Gradska Kafana, a restaurant in downtown Sombor. https://t.co/L1XYL8yZ6j” / X

Gordon’s lack of control over his playing style makes the Nuggets extremely dangerous.

Gordon has been a frustrating player throughout his career. He had great potential, but he made things more difficult for himself than needed. This is a major reason why the Orlando Magic chose to break company with Gordon and continue to deal with the Nuggets.

Nikola Jokic’s game-winning block propels Nuggets past Raptors – Mile High Sports.

Gordon’s playstyle has improved after joining Denver. He has minimized the number of needless shots he took earlier in his career, which has benefited not only himself but also the Nuggets’ offense as a whole. Gordon has done everything he can to improve his relationship with Denver this season, and the results have been positive.

With Murray and Porter returning to form, the Nuggets are expected to dominate the Western Conference for the remainder of the season. Gordon may be Denver’s X-Factor, and if he continues to play at this level, the Nuets will be difficult to beat for the remainder of the season.