Nuggets’ Gordon Hits Game-Winner, Ties Series Against Clippers

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Aaron Gordon turned a last-second airball into a dramatic game-winning dunk, lifting the Denver Nuggets to a 101-99 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The win tied their playoff series at 2-2.

With just seconds remaining, Nikola Jokic attempted a turnaround 3-pointer that fell short. Gordon seized the rebound and scored just before the buzzer sounded. “Nice pass,” Gordon said, jokingly referring to Jokic’s miss. Jokic admitted, “This is going to be bad,” as the ball appeared destined to fly past the rim.

The game-winning play underwent a quick review by officials at the NBA’s replay center in New Jersey, confirming that Gordon’s shot left his hands above the rim in time. Referee Zach Zarba explained the ruling, stating, “It has to be out of his hand when that red light is on.” Jokic described the moment as “really, really close.”

This dunk marked the first game-winning buzzer-beater in the playoffs since the 1997-98 season, according to the NBA. Denver’s interim coach David Adelman expressed relief at the outcome, saying, “I’m glad it’ll be a Nugget day, not a Clipper day.”

The Clippers, who had previously lost Game 1 by two points in overtime, saw their chances slip away once again. “It’s still a series, best-of-three,” star player Kawhi Leonard noted after the game. Jokic led the Nuggets with 36 points, 21 rebounds, and eight assists, while Gordon contributed 17 points.

For the Clippers, Leonard scored 24 points, with teammates Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac adding 22 and 19 points respectively. After a fierce comeback in the fourth quarter, the Clippers managed to tie the game, but Gordon’s play sealed their fate.

During the game, tempers flared, leading to six technical fouls being called as players clashed late in the second half. The intensity didn’t affect world his absence from the lineup due to left foot inflammation. Game 5 will take place in Denver on Monday.