The Clippers’ 22-point comeback falls short in the final seconds.

Los Angeles Clippers #2 Kawhi Leonard (F) is going up for a power right-handed dunk from the right side of the basket. Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs/TGSportstv1 April 26, 2025.

LOS ANGELES, CA - The Denver Nuggets even the series at 2-2 as the Clippers' comeback attempt fell short, as they were defeated 101-99.

The game ended dramatically with a buzzer-beating putback dunk by Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon. Nikola Jokic put up a shot that missed the rim, but Gordon was there to tip it in at the last second. Down by a daunting 22 points as the fourth quarter began, the Clippers mounted a furious comeback.

 Their defense tightened, forcing crucial stops, while Norman Powell caught fire, sinking three pivotal three-pointers. Los Angeles seized their first lead with just 1:11 left on the clock.

"Jokic shot an airball, we weren't really expecting that… Gordon made a hell of a play. So you know it is what it is," Tyronn Lue, the head coach of the LA Clippers, said after the game.

 Jokic put up video game-like numbers to carry the Nuggets with 36 points, 21 rebounds, and eight assists. The Clippers' offense was paced by Kawhi Leonard's 24 points and Norman Powell's 22, while Ivica Zubac had a significant impact with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and a team-high 6 assists.

The first quarter was a bit of a back-and-forth affair, though the Nuggets held a 27-22 lead at the end. Denver jumped out to an early lead, going up 4-0, and extended it to 15-6.

Los Angeles responded after James Harden got on the board with a three-pointer and Leonard scored on a reverse layup and empathic tipback slam to close the gap. After a bad pass by Harden, the quarter ended with a three-pointer by Jokic right before the buzzer.

Denver Nuggets #15 Nikola Jokic (C) step-back jump shot in the paint being challenged by the Los Angeles Clippers #40 Ivica Zubac (C). Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs/TGSportstv1 April 26, 2025.

In the second quarter, the Clippers kept it close as the Denver Nuggets were slightly ahead 50-48 by halftime. Denver opened the quarter with a quick alley-oop dunk from Jordan.

  Nicolas Batum’s three-pointer knotted things at 31-31 with 8:35 left in the period. The Nuggets quickly responded with a three-pointer from Michael Porter as both teams jostled for position.

Tempers flared as a trio of double technical fouls called right at the end of the quarter involving several players from both teams (Braun/Harden, Dunn/Gordon, Powell/Jokic) due to some pushing and shoving.

Jokic led the Nuggets in scoring at halftime with 15 points and 8 rebounds. Denver connected on 46% (19-of-41) of their field goals and 40% (4-of-10) from three-point range in the first half.

Leonard and Zubac both had nine apiece at halftime for the Clippers. Los Angeles shot 42% (20-of-47) from the field and 35% (6-of-17) from beyond the arc.

Los Angeles Clippers #40 Ivica Zubac (C) is going up for a two-handed dunk against a Denver Nugget defender. Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs/TGSportstv1 April 26, 2025.

The third quarter saw the Denver Nuggets significantly extend their lead, outscoring the Clippers 35-17 and taking an 85-65 advantage into the final frame. Denver's offense found its rhythm as Jokic was a force, scoring frequently and grabbing numerous rebounds on both ends of the floor.

He hit multiple jump shots, including two three-pointers, while racking up some assists. Braun also contributed significantly with multiple layups and a three-pointer. Porter Jr. added a couple of three-pointers as well.

The Clippers' offense struggled to keep pace as they had a few turnovers and missed several shots and multiple three-point attempts in the quarter.

Jokic scored 21 points in the second half to lead the Nuggets. Denver shot 45% (21-of-46) from the field and 31% (6-of-19) from three-point range.

Braun and Porter Jr. both pitched in 17 points for the Nuggets. Powell and Leonard, both scored 15 second-half points as the Los Angeles shot 46% (19-of-41) from the field and 30% (4-of-13) from beyond the arc.

After losing Game 4 at home, the Clippers must find a way to win another game on the road in Denver. Having already done it in Game 2 and after two close losses in this series to the Nuggets, Lue felt he didn't need to reinvent the wheel.

"They're not going to give in. We've got to beat them, and that's okay, you know. So we go to Denver on Tuesday and be ready with a new well, not really a new game plan, but a new mindset of what we need to do". Lue said in the post-game press conference.

Game 5 is on Tuesday, as Los Angeles hopes to steal another game on the road and potentially close this game out when they come back to Intuit Dome for Game 6 on Thursday.