Leonard led Los Angeles with 14 points at the break, while Harden struggled, going just 2-of-6 for seven points. Norman Powell chipped in four, and Ivica Zubac added eight. Braun paced the Nuggets with 11 points, while Gordon and Westbrook each scored 10, and Jokic had nine.

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.