Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets leaves the team following dog bite injuries

The Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon will miss time while he heals after sustaining cuts to his hand and face from a dog bite on Christmas Day, the team said on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old “is in good condition and will remain away from the team while he recovers,” according to the Nuggets, who did not provide an estimated return date.

 

Michael Malone, the coach of the Nuggets, told ESPN on Wednesday, “He’s hanging in there.” He must recover both inside and out.

“Experiencing anything similar is not something you recover from quickly. In addition to the physical healing involved, Malone said, “you also need to heal from the mental and what you just kind of went through.”

“We desire his return. We are aware that having him is preferable. However, I want to stand by Aaron Gordon and make sure he’s prepared to return and perform to the level of which we know he is capable.

Gordon scored 16 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and added three rebounds in Denver’s 120-114 victory over the Golden State Warriors earlier on Christmas Day.

He is assisting the Nuggets in their quest to retain their NBA championship, averaging 13.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game thus far this season.

The Nuggets’ next game, against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 28, is probably going to be without him.

The owner of the dog is also unknown, as is its breed.