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Aaron Gordon’s Buzzer-Beater Dunk Evens Nuggets-Clippers Series

Denver ties the first-round playoff series 2-2 after Gordon's dramatic putback dunk, confirmed as the first game-winning buzzer-beating dunk in NBA playoff history.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) moves the ball against Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) during the second half of game three in the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome.
Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers dribbles the ball against Christian Braun #0 of the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome on April 24, 2025 in Inglewood, California.
Derrick Jones Jr. #55 of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots the ball against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome on April 24, 2025 in Inglewood, California.

Overview

  • Aaron Gordon converted Nikola Jokic's missed 3-pointer into a game-winning dunk with 0.1 seconds left, securing a 101-99 victory for Denver in Game 4.
  • The NBA replay center confirmed the play as the first game-winning buzzer-beating dunk in NBA playoff history since detailed play-by-play tracking began in 1997-98.
  • Nikola Jokic delivered a dominant performance with 36 points, 21 rebounds, and 8 assists, though his missed final shot set up Gordon's heroics.
  • Late-game tensions included a second-quarter skirmish resulting in six technical fouls, but no ejections, highlighting the physicality of the series.
  • The series now shifts back to Denver for Game 5 at Ball Arena, with both teams tied at 2-2 and home-court advantage returning to the Nuggets.