Aaron Gordon would rather play with an actual rock in his famous “361 Degrees” footwear right now.

That way, he could at least get the obstruction out of the way and get back to work for the defending champion Nuggets.

“When he’s attacking the basket, he’s at his best.” When he can combine that with making free throws and open 3s, you’re getting the Aaron Gordon we saw in the playoffs last year,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said following Denver’s 130-104 win against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday at Ball Arena.

“He’s such an important piece to our team.”

The metaphorical rock in his shoe has made walking difficult, let alone playing with the force that has made the Nuggets’ starting power forward such an impactful member of the team. After missing all 12 shots he attempted in a defeat to Houston on Nov. 24, the 28-year-old was out for Denver’s following four games due to a heel issue. In the eight games since his return to the rotation in Sacramento on December 2, he’s played despite pain.

“Heck no,” Gordon said after the game when asked if his heel was entirely healed. “I have tape on it right now.” This is painful… It aches only to walk around. I feel like I’m stepping on a stone right now, but we have an excellent training team. So they’re doing everything they can to look after me. It’s getting better by the day.”

Gordon sat with his painful right foot submerged in a mop bucket full of ice water after scoring 21 points, second only to Jamal Murray’s 22 for the Nuggets, with five rebounds, five assists, and one steal in 24 minutes of playing time against Dallas.

“It’s fine,” Gordon remarked, referring to the niggling issue. “I’ve played with injuries before.” I’ll play hurt again. Everything will be OK.”

Gordon’s effort Monday was his fifth straight game with 13 or more points, as he sank 7 of 9 shots, including 2 of 3 from 3-point range and a 5-for-6 mark at the free throw line. Despite the pain, he averaged more than seven rebounds and three assists in eight games in December.

“What I love about AG’s play as of late is that he’s been aggressive,” he remarked. “He’s assertive.” He’s been playing backwards. In transition, he’s been rim-running and sitting down for early post-ups.”

Gordon’s five other baskets came around the rim, aside from his two 3-pointers, one from the right wing and the other from the left corner.

Gordon got began when Nikola Jokic grabbed a defensive rebound and initiated the break. When Jokic recognized Gordon had built position on Dante Exum, he lofted a pass over the top for Gordon to catch and spin toward the hoop in one motion for an uncontested slam. Jokic then tossed an alley-oop to Gordon for another dunk a few minutes later. Gordon came back inside for another dunk after a wide-open corner 3 courtesy of an extra pass from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. He appeared to be in good shape in the waning minutes of the second quarter, when he hit Tim Hardway Jr. with a sequence of crossovers and muscled his way to a layup.

Gordon’s final seven scores came in the third quarter. Jokic found him for another dunk. Gordon then hit his second three-pointer before exiting the game with just than three minutes remaining in the third quarter, capping off his most efficient game of the season.

“I just think I’m a little bit more deliberate with what I’m trying to do offensively,” Gordon was quoted as saying. “Defensively, you know, I’ll be me on defense.” Now it’s just a matter of being consistent on both sides of the court and in the transition game. I simply want to excel for my team. I know I’ve said it before, but when it comes down to it, I know exactly what my team requires of me. They require me to be myself.”