Denver Nuggets level playoff series against Clippers with last-second buzzer-beater
Aaron Gordon slammed down Nikola Jokic's miss as time expired to lift the Denver Nuggets over the Los Angeles Clippers 101-99 to tie their NBA playoff series.
Video review confirmed the ball left Gordon’s hands above the rim just before the buzzer sounded after the Nuggets had blown a 22-point lead.
Jokic had 36 points, 21 rebounds and eight assists to lead the Nuggets. Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun had 17 points apiece.
FOLLOW LIVE: NRL Sunday coverage
READ MORE: 'New reality' for Djoker after latest first-round exit
READ MORE: 'Impossible dream' continues for Hollywood star's team
Kawhi Leonard scored 24 points for the Clippers. Norman Powell added 22 and Ivica Zubac had 19 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.
Denver split their two games at the new Intuit Dome and will return home for game five.
Aaron Gordon slams down the winning basket. Getty
A skirmish between the teams near the end of the first half resulted in six technical fouls, including on Jokic.
The hosts led for the first time in the game at 97-96 on Bogdan Bogdanovic’s offensive rebound and basket with just over a minute remaining.
Jokic’s free throw and basket put Denver back in front, 99-97, before Zubac tied it.
Jokic’s three-point attempt from the right side soared long over the basket, but Gordon sprang for the rebound with James Harden on his back and slammed it down.
The teams were left in suspense while the referees reviewed the play, before the Nuggets finally got the green light and took out the all-important clash.
