The Nuggets and Lakers both gave up big fourth-quarter leads in respective Game 4s while not resting their star players. But only one team escaped with a series-tying win.

After dropping Game 3 and falling behind 2-1 in the series, the Denver Nuggets entered Game 4 with a renewed sense of urgency and physicality. The difference in energy was immediately apparent as they built an early lead and controlled the pace against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Denver Nuggets forced a Game 5 after beating the Los Angeles Clippers, capped by Aaron Gordon’s last-minute dunk off a brilliant assist from Nikola Jokic. After the game, Jokic shared a candid confession about the play.

The Oklahoma City Thunder will have another week off before their next playoff series. After they swept the Memphis Grizzlies in Round 1, they await the winner between the Denver Nuggets and the LA Clippers.

After defeating the Memphis Grizzlies in the opening round of the playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder will now either play the Denver Nuggets or LA Clippers.

The OKC Thunder will face either the Denver Nuggets or the Los Angeles Clippers in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.