LA Clippers split their home playoff games after tough game 4 loss with Denver to tie up series 2-2. April 2025
Game 3: Clippers 117, Nuggets 83 (Clippers lead series 2–1)
The Los Angeles Clippers delivered a commanding performance in Game 3, defeating the Denver Nuggets by 34 points to take a 2–1 series lead. The Clippers played fabulous in front of the loud home crowd at Intuit Dome.
Key Performances:
- Kawhi Leonard: Dominated with 39 points on 15-of-19 shooting, showcasing his scoring prowess.
- Ivica Zubac: Contributed a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, controlling the paint.
- Norman Powell: Added 22 points, providing a scoring spark off the bench.
- James Harden: Facilitated the offense with 18 points and 8 assists, though he struggled with shooting efficiency.
The Clippers’ defense stifled the Nuggets, limiting them to just 83 points. The team’s offensive balance and defensive intensity were key factors in the blowout victory.
Game 4: Nuggets 101, Clippers 99 (Series tied 2–2)
Game 4 was a thrilling contest that saw the Denver Nuggets edge out the Los Angeles Clippers with a buzzer-beating dunk by Aaron Gordon, tying the series at 2–2.
Game Highlights:
- Nikola Jokić: Delivered a historic performance with 36 points, 21 rebounds, and 8 assists, dominating both ends of the floor.
- Aaron Gordon: Scored 14 points, including the game-winning dunk off a missed Jokić three-pointer at the buzzer, marking the first known game-winning buzzer-beater putback dunk in NBA playoff history.
- Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun: Each contributed 17 points, providing additional scoring support for the Nuggets.
- Kawhi Leonard: Led the Clippers with 24 points, but the team couldn’t capitalize on their late-game momentum.
- Norman Powell: Added 22 points, keeping the Clippers within striking distance.
The game featured a dramatic comeback by the Clippers, who erased a 22-point deficit to briefly take a one-point lead late in the game. However, Gordon’s last-second dunk secured the victory for Denver. Ty Lue was positive as this is a tough close series. I did feel like Lue made an error on players on the last play and who knows if it would effected the last play by Gordon. He had Bogdonovic in when it was a full defensive stop keeping great defender and leaper Derrick Jones Jr on the bench. He could have been there to prohibit the last play but you never know. More at www.nba.com/clippers
Game 4 Box Score:
- Denver Nuggets:
- Nikola Jokić: 36 points, 21 rebounds, 8 assists
- Aaron Gordon: 14 points, including the game-winning dunk
- Michael Porter Jr.: 17 points
- Christian Braun: 17 points
- Los Angeles Clippers:
- Kawhi Leonard: 24 points
- Norman Powell: 22 points
- Ivica Zubac: 14 points, 11 rebounds
- James Harden: 11 points, 8 assists