Clippers Blow Lead to Nuggets in Heartbreaking Game Four Loss

Los Angeles, CA – The LA Clippers faced disappointment in Game Four against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night. After struggling for 36 minutes, the Clippers made a late-game push but ultimately fell short in a dramatic finish.

In the first half, the Clippers’ defense faltered, failing to contain star players Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Michael Porter Jr. capitalized on the lack of physicality, hitting crucial shots that helped put the Clippers in a tough position.

Despite trailing by 22 points, the Clippers pulled together a resurgence in the fourth quarter. After a rebound from Bogdan Bogdanović, the Clippers took a 97-96 lead, giving fans hope of a comeback.

As the clock wound down, both teams traded field goals, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish. In a pivotal moment, Aaron Gordon of the Nuggets surged to the basket, seizing an opportunity on an air-ball attempt from Jokic. His dunk with only seconds left on the clock sealed the game for Denver, leaving the Clippers in disbelief.

Despite the perceived momentum and a raucous home crowd, the Clippers couldn’t shake off the sting of the last-second score. The officials initially ruled the dunk a legitimate basket, and the video review deemed there wasn’t enough evidence to overturn the decision.

This loss evened the playoff series, flipping 3-1 momentum back to the Nuggets. Clippers’ players and coaches were left to reflect on missed defensive assignments. Head coach Tyronn Lue noted the need for complete focus, emphasizing the importance of boxing out, particularly with Nikolai Batum and Kris Dunn—team leaders in rebounds—watching from the sidelines.

As the series returns to Ball Arena for Game Five Tuesday evening, lessons learned from this defeat will be crucial as the Clippers seek to regain control and advance in the playoffs.