NBA Official Addresses Controversy Following Clippers-Nuggets Game 4…
Game 4 between the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets was nothing short of electrifying. The Clippers nearly pulled off an incredible comeback after trailing by 11 points with just four minutes left.
However, Aaron Gordon became the hero for Denver, delivering a stunning buzzer-beating putback dunk with only 0.1 seconds left on the clock. His clutch play capped off an intense battle, tying the series at 2-2.
Despite the thrilling ending, not all fans were convinced the result was legitimate. Social media erupted with accusations of biased officiating. One fan on X commented, “Someone should investigate the refs’ bank accounts lol,” while another said, “They must have been watching a different game — the ball was clearly still touching his hand.” Another frustrated user went further, labeling the Nuggets’ win as “rigged” and suggesting the referees had consistently favored Denver throughout the series.
In response to the uproar, the crew chief for Game 4, Zach Zarba, issued a statement via the official pool report. Zarba clarified the decision, saying, “The call on the floor was a good basket.
It was automatically reviewed by the Replay Center, where officials found clear and conclusive evidence that the ball was out of Gordon’s hands before the red light came on, ending the game.
That’s why the basket stood.” Zarba emphasized that the ruling focused solely on whether the ball was still touching Gordon’s hand when the buzzer sounded, not its position relative to the rim.
Video footage shared by Clippers reporter Tomer Azarly showed the angle used to confirm the call, appearing to back up Zarba’s explanation.
Unfortunately for the Clippers, the ruling is final. With the series now tied 2-2, Los Angeles must regroup quickly as they head back to Denver for Game 5 on Tuesday. The Nuggets now have a golden opportunity to seize momentum in what has been an unforgettable first-round series.
