Aaron Gordon’s clutch buzzer-beating putback dunk in the final moments of Game 4 saved the Denver Nuggets, as they defeated the LA Clippers 101-99, tying the series 2-2 in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
With just eight seconds remaining and the score tied at 99-99, Nikola Jokic found himself isolated on Clippers’ center Ivica Zubac. Jokic’s spin move led to a shot attempt that he thought would miss, but Gordon was in the right place at the right time, soaring in for the game-winning dunk as time expired. After a brief review, referee Zach Zarba confirmed the shot, sealing the dramatic victory for Denver.
The buzzer-beater dunk from Gordon, who finished with 12 points, was the climax of an intense game that saw the Nuggets nearly lose a commanding 22-point fourth-quarter lead. Had they fallen, Denver would have faced a 3-1 series deficit, which would have been a near-impossible challenge to overcome. Instead, the Nuggets head back to Denver for Game 5 with the series tied at 2-2, making it anyone’s series.
A Dominant Start from the Nuggets Turns into a Nail-Biting Finish
For the first 42 minutes, the Nuggets looked in control, playing with urgency and intensity. From the opening tip, Denver came out aggressive, playing as though their championship hopes were on the line. Nuggets defenders Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon took on the challenge of defending James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, making it difficult for the Clippers’ stars to get into rhythm. Harden finished the night with 15 points and 11 assists, but his impact was minimized by Denver’s tight defense.
Coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged the Nuggets’ physicality, saying, “I thought they picked their pressure up defensively, it kind of sped us up,” noting that the Clippers were forced into uncomfortable situations. Denver’s defense helped hold the Clippers’ role players in check, as Kris Dunn, Nicolas Batum, and Derrick Jones Jr. combined for just 1-of-13 shooting from beyond the arc.
Nikola Jokic’s MVP-Caliber Performance Keeps the Nuggets Ahead
Throughout the game, Nikola Jokic continued to display why he’s one of the best players in the NBA. The three-time MVP was dominant, finishing with 36 points and 21 rebounds. His third-quarter performance was particularly impressive, as he scored or assisted on 26 of Denver’s 35 points, helping the Nuggets stretch their lead to as high as 22 points.
Nuggets head coach David Adelman praised Jokic’s offensive vision, saying, “He did a great job finding the soft spots in their defense.” However, as the fourth quarter progressed, fatigue set in for Denver’s starters, all of whom played over 42 minutes. The Clippers capitalized on the Nuggets’ tired legs, with Lue turning to an offense-heavy lineup and a zone defense that disrupted Denver’s flow.
Clippers’ Comeback Falls Just Short as Harden Ties Game, Gordon Delivers
The Clippers stormed back in the fourth quarter, cutting Denver’s lead to just a few points. With eight seconds left, James Harden’s driving layup tied the game at 99. The stage was set for one final shot from the Nuggets, and everyone in the arena — including Aaron Gordon — knew where the ball was headed.
Nikola Jokic, despite his fatigue, took the final shot attempt. His miss, however, created the perfect opportunity for Gordon to jump in for the game-winning putback dunk, saving the Nuggets’ playoff hopes.
What’s Next for the Nuggets and Clippers?
With the series now tied 2-2, the next game becomes pivotal for both teams. The momentum has shifted back to Denver, and with the home crowd behind them, the Nuggets will look to push ahead. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue knows how dangerous the Nuggets are, saying, “They’re a great team, won a championship a couple of years ago, they’re not going to give in, we got to beat them, and that’s okay.”
The battle between the Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers has turned into one of the most thrilling series of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, and with both teams locked in a 2-2 tie, Game 5 promises to be an electric showdown.
Final Thoughts:
Aaron Gordon’s buzzer-beating putback dunk was the game-changer the Denver Nuggets needed to keep their playoff hopes alive. With the series now tied 2-2, the Nuggets and Clippers will head into Game 5 with everything to play for. As the stakes continue to rise, expect more thrilling moments and unforgettable plays from both teams in the fight for an NBA Championship.
