San Francisco witnessed a remarkable performance as Aaron Gordon scored a career-high 50 points against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 26, 2023. Despite Gordon’s extraordinary showing, the Denver Nuggets fell short, losing to the Warriors in overtime, 137-131.
Gordon, a product of Archbishop Mitty High School, returned to the Bay Area with a sense of nostalgia. The atmosphere at the Chase Center was charged, with music reminiscent of his youth filling the arena. “The DJ was playing slaps,” Gordon noted, reflecting on the familiar tunes that fueled his spirited performance. “I was vibing the whole game. Just like Hyphy music. So I was just out getting Hyphy.”
The night was a celebration of Gordon’s basketball journey, which began in San Jose. Known for his incredible leaping ability, he first gained national attention as a high school dunking sensation. Over a decade ago, he was honored as the San Jose Mercury News boys high school basketball player of the decade, amassing 2,386 career points and leading the Monarchs to three consecutive league titles.
Gordon’s scoring on Thursday was a blend of finesse and power. He shot an impressive 17 of 21 from the field, including 10 three-pointers, a testament to his evolution as a player. Warriors forward Draymond Green praised Gordon’s shooting ability, highlighting the variety in his shots: “They weren’t just like spot up threes either. He had a couple of them off the dribble… and he was knocking them down.”
Despite his efforts, the Nuggets could not secure the win. Coach David Adelman expressed his sympathy for Gordon, stating, “I feel awful for Aaron. He had a night where you know I’ll never forget, I know he won’t.” Gordon echoed his disappointment after the game, declining the offer of a game ball, saying, “No, I don’t want the game ball, take an L home with me. No thank you. So this sucks.”
Gordon’s performance was not just a flashback to his high school days; it also highlighted his growth as a player. He scored 25 points in each half and contributed meaningful plays throughout the game. This achievement ties him for the 10th-most points ever scored against the Warriors, further cementing his legacy.
The night also served as a reminder of Gordon’s pivotal role in the Nuggets’ recent championship run. He proved to be a versatile asset, capable of defending multiple positions and contributing significantly on offense. His high school coach, Tim Kennedy, reflected on Gordon’s journey, stating, “To have his coach call him ‘the soul of the team’ is one of the most impressive parts of who Aaron is.”
As Gordon continues to impress in the NBA, the game against the Warriors will be remembered as a milestone in a career that started in the halls of Archbishop Mitty. Despite the loss, his performance left an indelible mark on his opponents and fans alike, with Steph Curry acknowledging, “Aaron Gordon had an unbelievable night shooting the ball.”
In an era where scoring is celebrated, Gordon’s ability to blend his past with his present showcases his dedication to the game and the evolution of his skills. As he moves forward, the San Jose native remains a player to watch, both for his shooting prowess and his leadership on the court.