The Denver Nuggets tied their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers with a heart-pounding 101-99 victory on Saturday night. The game ended in dramatic fashion, as Aaron Gordon slammed home Nikola Jokic’s missed shot at the buzzer to clinch the win. After a replay review, referees confirmed that the ball left Gordon’s hands just before the red lights illuminated, although some fans expressed disagreement online.
The Nuggets initially built a commanding 22-point lead, only to see the Clippers mount a furious comeback in the final quarter. With eight seconds remaining and the game tied at 99-99 following Ivica Zubac’s layup, Nikola Jokic attempted a spinning fadeaway on Denver’s final possession. The shot missed the rim entirely, but Gordon was perfectly positioned to grab the rebound and deliver an emphatic dunk as time expired, sealing a crucial victory for Denver.
Jokic continued to prove why he is one of the league’s most dominant players, posting an extraordinary stat line of 36 points, 21 rebounds, and eight assists. Aaron Gordon added 14 points and six rebounds, while the rest of the Nuggets’ starting lineup contributed double-digit scoring efforts. On the Clippers’ side, Kawhi Leonard led the charge with 24 points, while Norman Powell contributed 22 in their valiant but ultimately unsuccessful comeback attempt.
Things got chippy towards halftime
The contest wasn’t without its moments of tension, as tempers flared during the closing moments of the first half. A reach-in foul on James Harden sparked a brief altercation, resulting in technical fouls being assessed to Harden, Norman Powell, Kris Dunn, Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun. Despite the chippy atmosphere, both teams returned to the court determined to battle for the win.
With the series now tied at 2-2, the momentum shifts to Denver for Game 5 on Tuesday night. The Nuggets will aim to build on their dramatic victory and capitalize on their home-court advantage, while the Clippers will look to rebound and regain control of the tightly contested series. Both teams have demonstrated resilience and skill, setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling matchup.
The Nuggets’ buzzer-beater victory not only electrified their fans but also reaffirmed their determination to contend in the postseason. As the series continues, all eyes will be on Jokic, Gordon, and the rest of the Denver squad as they seek to outlast their opponents and advance to the next round. Meanwhile, the Clippers remain a formidable adversary, ensuring that the battle is far from over.
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