Aaron Gordon’s Buzzer Beater Dunk Lifts Nuggets Over Clippers, Ties Series 2-2

The Nuggets and Clippers have been locked in a tight back-and-forth series that, after a strong game three, seemed to have finally swung towards Los Angeles.

However, the winds shifted again on Saturday, when one clutch play changed everything.

(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

In a tied contest with just seconds left on the clock, Denver tried to work up a play that would give them the game winning shot.

Facing the prospect of falling down 1-3 in the series, the ever reliable Nikola Jocic pulled up from deep and took a fade away over two Clippers defenders.

The shot wasn’t even close.

It was, however, just off enough to fall into the hands of a leaping Aaron Gordon

The springy forward grabbed the ball out of the air and slammed it through the basket with 0.1 second on the clock to put the Clippers away and give Denver a much-needed victory.

Back in Action

The miracle shot likely saved the series for the Nuggets, who are now tied 2-2 instead of down 1-3. It also signaled a huge missed opportunity for the Clippers, who could have easily taken control of the series with a victory.

Both teams have seemed fairly evenly matched so far, with almost every game coming down to the wire.

The Clippers took control of game three, and appeared as if they had figured out the best way to attack Denver going forward, but the Nuggets are no strangers to adversity.

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After an incredibly tight first half in game four, Denver exploded in the third quarter

They pushed the Clippers around and ended on a 35-17 run. Not to be outdone, the Clippers responded by winning the fourth quarter by eighteen points. They erased a 22-point hole.

Unfortunately, Gordon made sure that comeback wasn’t enough.

“Joker shot an airball and we weren’t expecting that,” explained Clippers coach Tyronn Lue. “[Christian] Braun cut to the middle of the floor and James [Harden] and Norman [Powell] were in between trying to check with him and Gordon made a hell of a play. It is what it is.”

Up for Grabs

Denver has plenty of playoff experience, and they are still led by quite possibly the best player in the world.

While Gordon will get all of the media attention for his late second heroics, Jokic outplayed all of Los Angeles’ superstars.

The big man scored 36 points (nobody else on Denver had more than 17) and he did it while grabbing a staggering 21 rebounds and throwing eight assists.

He was everywhere on the court, finding the open man, using his size on defense, and working for good looks.

His presence also created opportunities for his teammates that previously weren’t there

The supporting cast played well, even without an injured Russell Westbrook, and put up big shots when they needed to go in. That was enough for the victory.

A Team Effort

While Denver played well enough to get the win, the Clippers continued their high-level play into Saturday night. They’ve pushed hard all series, and their top four scorers showed up once again.

Kawhi Leonard had 24 points, Norman Powell added 22, Ivica Zubac put up 19, and James Harden scored 15

That, as it has all series, combined for most of Los Angeles’ offensive output. The team has found a great rhythm, and understands there are many ways to score.

While Leonard gets the ball when the team needs a tough bucket, their varied attack is giving Denver plenty of issues. They have trouble matching up, which is exactly how the Clippers want to play their games.

One loss shouldn’t change that. The series may be tied right now, but Los Angeles can’t let the recent loss derail them. They need to stick to their plan, let their big players take over, and do what they can to limit the Nuggets bench.

The more they get away from that, the easier it will be to lose a pivotal game five. One big play might be the headline of the night, but it will be forgotten about by tomorrow.

Their leader knows that. The rest of the team needs to know it too

“It was tough, but I’m glad we fought and we didn’t lay down being down 20 in the fourth quarter,” Leonard said. “We kept fighting and rallied back. That’s the NBA. They made a great play.”