Aaron Gordon’s Historic Buzzer-Beating Dunk Lifts Nuggets to 101-99 Victory Over Clippers, Tying Playoff Series 2-2

INGLEWOOD, Calif.  — In a thrilling Game 4, Aaron Gordon made NBA history with a buzzer-beating dunk that sealed the Denver Nuggets’ 101-99 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, tying the playoff series at 2-2.

As time expired, Nikola Jokic launched a turnaround three-pointer over Ivica Zubac, but it missed the mark. Enter Gordon, who soared in to slam home the rebound, delivering the game-winning dunk. The referees initially ruled the basket good, and after a quick review, it was confirmed that Gordon’s dunk had left his hands just before the buzzer sounded.

“It was a nice pass,” Gordon joked about Jokic’s airball. Jokic, for his part, had been less optimistic as he watched his shot miss. “This is going to be bad,” he admitted after seeing the ball sail past the rim.

The dramatic play marked the first game-winning, buzzer-beating dunk in NBA playoff history since the 1997-98 season, a rare feat that thrilled the Nuggets and left the Clippers reeling.

Referee Zach Zarba explained the review process, stating that the key focus was whether the ball had left Gordon’s hand before the red light went on. “It has to be out of his hand when that red light is on,” Zarba clarified.

For Denver, the victory was bittersweet. They had squandered a 22-point lead earlier in the game, but Gordon’s clutch dunk spared them from an agonizing loss. “I’m glad it’ll be a Nugget day, not a Clipper day,” said Denver’s interim coach David Adelman.

It was another gut-punch for the Clippers, who had already suffered a crushing overtime defeat in Game 1. “It’s still a series, best-of-three,” said Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, remaining hopeful despite the heartbreaking loss.

The game was a back-and-forth affair in the final minutes. The Clippers grabbed their first lead of the game at 97-96 on an offensive rebound and basket by Bogdan Bogdanovic. But Jokic’s free throw and a quick basket put the Nuggets back ahead at 99-97, before Zubac’s basket tied it once more.

The physicality picked up late, with a skirmish near the end of the first half leading to six technical fouls, including one on Jokic. Then, in the fourth quarter, the Clippers mounted a strong comeback, outscoring the Nuggets 34-16 to narrow the gap. But Gordon’s game-winner erased their hopes.

Jokic, the reigning MVP, had another monster game, finishing with 36 points, 21 rebounds, and eight assists. Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun also contributed with 17 points each. Meanwhile, Leonard led the Clippers with 24 points, supported by Norman Powell’s 22 and Ivica Zubac’s 19 points and 12 rebounds.

The game saw tempers flare, with a mid-court melee in the closing seconds involving both teams. While the scuffle didn’t escalate to punches, it led to multiple technicals, including on Jokic, Gordon, and Braun for the Nuggets, and Harden, Powell, and Kris Dunn for the Clippers. The heated moment sparked chants of “Throw him out!” from the Clippers’ fans, but the Nuggets held their ground.

The game had started with a strong showing by Denver, who led by two at halftime before exploding in the third quarter, outscoring the Clippers 35-17 to take an 85-65 lead into the final frame.

The series now heads back to Denver for Game 5 on Monday, where both teams will battle it out in what promises to be another intense showdown. “This is going to be a dogfight every single game,” Powell warned, setting the stage for a tense finish to the series.

Injuries were a factor for the Clippers, as Russell Westbrook sat out with left foot inflammation, but they still had enough firepower to push the Nuggets to the brink.

As both teams prepare for Game 5, the series is anyone’s for the taking — and with history already written, the excitement is far from over.