LOS ANGELES (WE) — Aaron Gordon slammed down Nikola Jokic‘s miss as time expired to seal a dramatic 101-99 victory for the Denver Nuggets over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday, tying their playoff series at 2-2. The thrilling finish capped a game filled with drama, including a mid-game skirmish and a remarkable performance by the reigning MVP, Jokic, who finished with 36 points, 21 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Game Overview
The Nuggets appeared to be in complete control early in the game, building a commanding 22-point lead over the Clippers. However, the game took a wild turn after halftime as the Clippers mounted a comeback in the second half, cutting the lead and eventually grabbing their first lead of the game at 97-96 on a clutch offensive rebound and basket from Bogdan Bogdanovic with just over a minute remaining.
Despite the Clippers’ surge, Jokic, the backbone of the Nuggets, managed to regain the lead for Denver with a pair of free throws and a basket to give the Nuggets a 99-97 advantage. The game saw one final dramatic turn in the closing moments. After Ivica Zubac tied the game at 99, Jokic had a chance to put the Nuggets ahead with a 3-point attempt. However, his shot was way off, soaring high over the basket, and it was up to Aaron Gordon to secure the win. As time expired, Gordon sprang into the air, grabbing the rebound with James Harden on his back before slamming the ball home just before the buzzer.
The referees initially reviewed the play to ensure the ball had left Gordon’s hands before time expired. After a tense moment of anticipation, the call was confirmed, and the Nuggets were awarded the thrilling victory.
Key Performances
While Gordon’s heroic dunk took center stage, it was Nikola Jokic who carried the Nuggets throughout the game. His monstrous performance—36 points, 21 rebounds, and 8 assists—demonstrated why he’s regarded as one of the best players in the league. Alongside Jokic, Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun each contributed 17 points, helping to cushion the Nuggets’ lead early in the game.
For the Clippers, it was Kawhi Leonard who led the charge with 24 points, providing steady offense as the team tried to claw their way back. Norman Powell had an impressive 22 points, and Ivica Zubac added 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists, anchoring the Clippers’ interior play. Despite their valiant effort, the Clippers came up short in the final moments.
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikola Jokic | Nuggets | 36 | 21 | 8 |
| Aaron Gordon | Nuggets | 13 | 8 | 3 |
| Michael Porter Jr. | Nuggets | 17 | 4 | 2 |
| Christian Braun | Nuggets | 17 | 3 | 1 |
| Kawhi Leonard | Clippers | 24 | 7 | 4 |
| Norman Powell | Clippers | 22 | 3 | 1 |
| Ivica Zubac | Clippers | 19 | 12 | 6 |
The Intense First Half
The first half of the game saw the Nuggets jump out to an early lead. Denver played superbly on both ends, with Jokic orchestrating the offense and the Nuggets’ defense frustrating the Clippers. The Nuggets shot 5-of-9 from beyond the arc in the first half, while the Clippers struggled with their outside shooting, going just 3-of-12 from deep.
But the fireworks really started towards the end of the first half when a skirmish broke out near mid-court with just 6.6 seconds left on the clock. The melee led to six technical fouls, with Jokic, Gordon, and Braun of the Nuggets each receiving one, and Harden, Powell, and Kris Dunn of the Clippers also being assessed technicals. The altercation appeared to energize the Clippers, as they came out with renewed intensity in the second half.
Clippers’ Strong Fourth Quarter Push
Led by Leonard, Powell, and Harden, the Clippers mounted a determined comeback in the fourth quarter. The Clippers outscored the Nuggets 34-16 in the final frame, turning the tide of the game. At one point, the Nuggets’ once comfortable lead had completely evaporated, and the Clippers were poised to steal the game. However, despite the Clippers’ fourth-quarter brilliance, they fell short in the final seconds.
After the game, Clippers fans could be heard chanting, “Throw him out!” directed at Aaron Gordon after his role in the skirmish, but the chants did little to impact the outcome of the game. Gordon’s buzzer-beater silenced the crowd and lifted the Nuggets to victory, sending the series back to Denver tied at 2-2.
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A Clash of Titans
This game was more than just a victory for the Nuggets; it was a statement. The Clippers, despite all their talent—Leonard, Powell, and Harden—struggled to put the Nuggets away. Their shooting was inconsistent, with the team finishing the game shooting just 39-of-88 from the field (44.3%) and a paltry 10-of-30 (33.3%) from beyond the arc. On the other hand, the Nuggets played a balanced game, with Jokic’s all-around brilliance and timely shooting from their role players.
The Nuggets’ 35-19 outburst in the third quarter had given them a cushion, but the Clippers’ resilience in the fourth quarter proved they would not go down quietly. Unfortunately for Los Angeles, it wasn’t enough.
Looking Ahead
The win ensures that the Nuggets head back home to Denver with the series tied at 2-2. With Game 5 looming on Monday at the Ball Arena, both teams will look to break the deadlock and take control of the series. For the Clippers, they will need to find more consistency offensively and avoid being outplayed in critical moments like they were late in the third quarter.
For the Nuggets, the big question will be whether they can maintain the momentum and play a more complete game. Jokic will continue to be the centerpiece of the offense, but the contributions of players like Gordon, Porter, and Braun will be just as crucial as the Nuggets look to push ahead in the series.
The series is far from over, and with the talent on both sides, every game promises to be a battle. The question remains: Can the Nuggets capitalize on their momentum, or will the Clippers find a way to take the upper hand?
As the series heads into a pivotal Game 5, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Game Notes:
- Game 5 will be held on Monday, with the Nuggets hosting the Clippers at Ball Arena in Denver.
- Nikola Jokic continues to impress with his all-around play, recording a massive 36-point, 21-rebound, and 8-assist performance.
- Aaron Gordon’s buzzer-beater helped the Nuggets clinch the game after a hard-fought second half.
- The Clippers’ shooting woes—especially from 3-point range—continued to be a major concern, as they finished just 10-of-30 from beyond the arc.
Stay tuned for more updates as the playoffs continue to unfold!
