Nuggets stun Clippers in Game 4 due to Aaron Gordon's thrilling buzzer-beating putback slam.
In a intense, physical encounter on the court, Denver Nuggets forward, Aaron Gordon, helped the Nuggets snatch Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round series against the LA Clippers. The game, filled with drama, ended in a nail-biting 101-99 victory for Denver, thanks to Gordon's last-second dunk.
Aaron Gordon, who fought through a right calf injury, scored 14 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, dished out 5 assists, and—with only a tenth of a second remaining on the clock—slammed home a desperation heave from Nikola Jokic, sealing a stunning win for the Nuggets.
The officials, after a thorough review, deemed the dunk successful, noting that the ball had left Gordon's hands before the LED light went off. This call gave the Nuggets a hard-fought victory, leveling the series at 2 games each.
Jokic led the charge for Denver with a team-best 36 points, 21 rebounds, and 8 assists. Michael Porter Jr and Christian Braun added 17 points each, while Gordon contributed 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 24 points and 9 rebounds.
Denver had earlier amassed a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter, but the Clippers fought back and even took the lead. However, with all the momentum in their favor, the Clippers were left stunned as Gordon snatched victory from the jaws of defeat at the buzzer. This dramatic win gave the Nuggets much-needed momentum going into Tuesday's crucial Game 5 in Denver.
Gordon's last-second heroics not only saved the game for Denver but also set a historic precedent for the series. Despite his injured calf, he proved his commitment and resilience, silencing the doubters and putting pressure on the Clippers to respond in the remaining games.
© 2025 The New York Times Company
Additional Insights: - Aaron Gordon's dunk in Game 4 marked a significant turning point in the series, both in terms of momentum and series dynamics. - Despite dealing with a right calf injury, Gordon's remarkable dunk showcased his determination and inner strength. - The success of the "The Sombor Shuffle" play hinged on the Clippers failing to block Gordon out, allowing him an unimpeded path to the basket. - The buzzer analysis revealed that, although the dunk occurred right before the buzzer, Gordon had released the ball in time, securing the win for the Nuggets. - The dramatic win boosted the Nuggets' morale, instilling a newfound confidence in the team going into Game 5. - By leveling the series, the Nuggets created pressure on the Clippers to respond strongly in subsequent games.
- In Game 4 of the Western Conference first-round series, Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets, despite a right calf injury, delivered a last-second dunk that clinched a nail-biting 101-99 victory against the LA Clippers.
- Gordon's heroics not only sealed the win but also set a significant precedent in the NBA series, underscoring his resilience and determination.
- The success of the "The Sombor Shuffle" play was, in part, due to the Clippers' failure to block Gordon out, providing him an unobstructed path to the basket for the dunk.
- With this dramatic win, Denver leveled the series at 2 games each, putting immense pressure on the LA Clippers to respond strongly in the remaining games of the NBA basketball series in 2025.
