5 Shocking Details About Aaron Gordon's Black Eye That Required 21 Stitches

For months, the sight of Aaron Gordon's bruised face, complete with a prominent black eye and a swollen lip, fueled intense speculation among NBA fans. As of December 14, 2025, the dramatic incident that caused this severe facial trauma remains one of the most bizarre and unforgettable injury stories in recent Denver Nuggets history, requiring a staggering 21 stitches to his face and shooting hand. While the initial rumors ranged from a locker room fight to an errant elbow on the court, the shocking truth revealed by the Nuggets organization was a completely unexpected event that took place on a major holiday. The story of the black eye is just one chapter in the rollercoaster career of the Nuggets' versatile forward, who is currently dealing with another significant injury—a Grade 2 right hamstring strain—that is keeping him off the court in late 2025. This article dives deep into the specific details of the Christmas Day incident, the nature of his injuries, his recovery, and the latest on his status as a critical component of the championship-contending Denver Nuggets team.

Aaron Gordon: Biographical Profile and NBA Journey

Aaron Addison Gordon is known throughout the league for his incredible athleticism, defensive versatility, and high-flying dunks. His journey from a top prospect to an NBA champion is marked by dedication and a critical mid-career trade that revitalized his role.

• Full Name: Aaron Addison Gordon
• Born: September 16, 1995 (Age 30 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: San Jose, California
• Height: 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
• Weight: 235 lb (107 kg)
• College: University of Arizona (Arizona Wildcats)
• NBA Draft: 2014, 1st Round, 4th Overall Pick by the Orlando Magic
• Current Team: Denver Nuggets (Since 2021)
• Career Highlights: NBA Champion (2023), Two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest Runner-Up.
• Position: Power Forward / Small Forward
• Key Role: Primary perimeter defender, cutter, and secondary playmaker alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

The Shocking Truth Behind Aaron Gordon's Black Eye and 21 Stitches

The mystery of Aaron Gordon's bruised and lacerated face was officially solved with a shocking announcement from the Denver Nuggets organization. The incident that caused the severe facial trauma, including what appeared to be a significant black eye, was not a sports-related injury but an accident at home.

It Happened on Christmas Day

The incident occurred on December 25, an occasion typically reserved for NBA showcase games. Instead of playing, Gordon was at home when the accident took place. The timing made the news even more sensational, as it immediately sidelined a key player during the busy holiday schedule.

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The Cause: A Dog Bite Incident

The Nuggets officially confirmed that Gordon suffered lacerations to his face and his right (shooting) hand as a result of a dog bite. This surprising revelation immediately quashed the rampant fan theories about a fight or an altercation. The severity of the injury was immediately apparent, leading to an indefinite absence from the court.

The Rottweiler and the Personal Explanation

The dog involved in the incident was reportedly Gordon's own Rottweiler. Following his return to the team, Gordon publicly addressed the situation, offering a candid explanation. He stated that the incident was his fault and that he "probably had a little bit too much to drink" at the time, indicating that his state may have contributed to the dog's reaction. This level of transparency was unusual and provided a complete picture of the unfortunate event.

Requiring 21 Stitches

The lacerations were severe enough to require extensive medical attention. Gordon received a total of 21 stitches, which were applied to both his face and his right hand. The facial stitches were the primary cause of the visible bruising and the black eye that captivated the NBA news cycle. The injury to his shooting hand was particularly concerning for the team, as it directly impacted his ability to perform on the court.

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Recovery, Return to the Denver Nuggets, and Current Status

Following the dog bite incident, Aaron Gordon was forced to miss several games while recovering from the significant physical and emotional trauma. The team provided constant updates, emphasizing that his well-being was the top priority.

The Road Back to the Court

Gordon eventually returned to the lineup, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to the Denver Nuggets. His return was a major boost, as his defensive presence and ability to guard multiple positions are vital to the team's success. He quickly reintegrated into the starting lineup alongside superstars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, proving that the severe lacerations had not permanently affected his game.

A New Setback: The Hamstring Strain (Current Injury)

While the black eye and stitches story is a dramatic chapter from the past, Gordon's current status is unfortunately another injury-related absence. As of December 2025, the versatile forward is dealing with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain. This injury, suffered in late November/early December, has kept him sidelined, and the latest updates suggest he is not expected to return to the court until after the Christmas holiday. His absence is a major concern for Coach Michael Malone and the Nuggets as they navigate the competitive Western Conference schedule.

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More Than Just a Black Eye: Gordon's Impact on the Nuggets Dynasty

Aaron Gordon's contribution to the Denver Nuggets extends far beyond his injury history. Since being traded from the Orlando Magic in 2021, he has transformed his game and solidified his role as the team's defensive anchor and a hyper-efficient offensive cutter.

The Defensive Stopper

Gordon is frequently tasked with guarding the opposition’s best perimeter scorer, a role he embraces with ferocity. His athleticism and strength allow him to switch onto guards, wings, and even some centers, making him an invaluable asset in the Nuggets' championship defense. His one-on-one matchups against elite players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard are often the determining factors in high-stakes games.

A Career Rebirth in Denver

In Orlando, Gordon was often pressured to be a primary scorer and playmaker, a role that didn't fully utilize his strengths. In Denver, he has embraced a complementary role, focusing on cutting, transition offense, and defense. This shift in focus, facilitated by playing alongside the two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, led directly to the Nuggets' 2023 NBA Championship. His efficiency and high-impact plays, often culminating in powerful dunks, are a testament to his successful career pivot.

Topical Entities for Authority:

• Denver Nuggets
• Nikola Jokic
• Jamal Murray
• Michael Porter Jr.
• Michael Malone (Coach)
• Orlando Magic (Former Team)
• Slam Dunk Contest
• Rottweiler
• Lacerations
• Grade 2 Hamstring Strain
• Western Conference
• NBA Championship (2023)
• Right Shooting Hand
• Arizona Wildcats (College)
• Christmas Day Incident

The story of Aaron Gordon's black eye and the 21 stitches it required is a testament to the unpredictable nature of an NBA player's life. While the incident was dramatic and resulted in a significant facial injury, it ultimately showcased Gordon's resilience and commitment. As he works to recover from his current hamstring strain, his importance to the Denver Nuggets remains undeniable. His ability to overcome both the bizarre dog bite incident and his current physical setback solidifies his reputation as one of the toughest and most dedicated players in the league.