Nuggets Clinch Playoff Series Against Clippers with Thrilling Last-Second Buzzer-Beater

Aaron Gordon emphatically dunked Nikola Jokic’s missed shot as the clock ran out, securing a 101-99 victory for the Denver Nuggets against the Los Angeles Clippers and equalising their NBA playoff series.

Following a review, officials confirmed that Gordon released the ball just above the rim before the final buzzer sounded, wrapping up a game in which the Nuggets squandered a 22-point lead.

Jokic dominated the court with an impressive performance, racking up 36 points, 21 rebounds, and eight assists. Meanwhile, both Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun contributed significantly with 17 points each.

Kawhi Leonard was the standout for the Clippers, finishing with 24 points, while Norman Powell chipped in 22 points and Ivica Zubac added 19 points along with 12 rebounds and six assists.

The Nuggets split their two games at the newly opened Intuit Dome and are set to return home for game five.

A scuffle between both teams right before halftime resulted in six technical fouls, including one for Jokic.

With just over a minute left, the Clippers took their first lead at 97-96 thanks to Bogdan Bogdanovic’s offensive rebound and subsequent score.

A free throw and basket from Jokic allowed Denver to regain the lead at 99-97, before Zubac managed to level the score again.

Jokic attempted a three-pointer from the right flank, which sailed over the hoop, but Gordon jumped high for the rebound, shaking off James Harden, and smashed it down into the net.

The referees then took some time to review the play, causing tension among the players, but ultimately confirmed the basket, allowing the Nuggets to clinch this critical match.