- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 435,461
- Reaction score
- 44
While the thrill of victory was apparent for the Nuggets in the wake of their dramatic Game 4 win over the Clippers in Los Angeles on Saturday night, the agony of defeat was settling in -- yet again -- for the Clips.
The Clippers ground their way back from an astonishing 22-point fourth-quarter deficit thanks to terrific defense in the final frame, even taking a lead late in the game. But the contest was tied at 99-99 and seemingly headed to overtime when, with just a few seconds remaining, Nikola Jokic could not get off a clean shot and instead hurled up a step-back 3-pointer.
The shot missed, but forward Aaron Gordon was there to, improbably, dunk home the rebound with 0.1 seconds to go. That gave the Nuggets a 101-99 win, and a tied-up series heading back to Denver.
Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
After the reality of the result settled in, Clippers fans were at a loss to explain why coach Tyronn Lue did not have its best defensive players, like Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn and Nic Batum, on the floor for the critical final Nuggets possession, which came after a timeout.
Per SI's Joey Linn, Linn, Lue said, “Things we’ve been talking about for five years. Offensive rebounds … Joker shot an airbal l… Gordon made a hell of a play. It is what it is.”
That quote -- "It is what it is" -- seemed to get firmly under the collective skin of the Clippers faithful.
One fan fumed on X, "It is what it is? No it’s not what about you coach your guys better and not let that happen."
Said another: "It is what it is? Lol, why wouldn’t you close the game with DJJ, Dunn or Simmons??? Gordon is never making that with them on court. Wtf."
Still another: "It is what it is…seriously? What a joke."
And the lineup was in question: "Great defensive lineup you put out there bro. Our 3 biggest defensive liabilities were all out there (harden,Powell,bogdanovic) while Simmons,Dunn,DJJ and Batum rode the bench."
The Clippers still have a chance in this one, though, as they go back to Denver in a tied series for Game 5 on Tuesday night.
Continue reading...
The Clippers ground their way back from an astonishing 22-point fourth-quarter deficit thanks to terrific defense in the final frame, even taking a lead late in the game. But the contest was tied at 99-99 and seemingly headed to overtime when, with just a few seconds remaining, Nikola Jokic could not get off a clean shot and instead hurled up a step-back 3-pointer.
The shot missed, but forward Aaron Gordon was there to, improbably, dunk home the rebound with 0.1 seconds to go. That gave the Nuggets a 101-99 win, and a tied-up series heading back to Denver.
You must be registered for see images attach
Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
After the reality of the result settled in, Clippers fans were at a loss to explain why coach Tyronn Lue did not have its best defensive players, like Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn and Nic Batum, on the floor for the critical final Nuggets possession, which came after a timeout.
Per SI's Joey Linn, Linn, Lue said, “Things we’ve been talking about for five years. Offensive rebounds … Joker shot an airbal l… Gordon made a hell of a play. It is what it is.”
That quote -- "It is what it is" -- seemed to get firmly under the collective skin of the Clippers faithful.
One fan fumed on X, "It is what it is? No it’s not what about you coach your guys better and not let that happen."
Said another: "It is what it is? Lol, why wouldn’t you close the game with DJJ, Dunn or Simmons??? Gordon is never making that with them on court. Wtf."
Still another: "It is what it is…seriously? What a joke."
And the lineup was in question: "Great defensive lineup you put out there bro. Our 3 biggest defensive liabilities were all out there (harden,Powell,bogdanovic) while Simmons,Dunn,DJJ and Batum rode the bench."
Hey Ty Lue put some defensive players in with 8 seconds left. You know that can rebound and block out so there’s no tip in. WTF do I know tho? Pass me a drink
— Jay (@Strokahanus) April 27, 2025
The Clippers still have a chance in this one, though, as they go back to Denver in a tied series for Game 5 on Tuesday night.
Continue reading...
