Heading into a critical Game 4, I had no idea if the Denver Nuggets had enough to keep up with the Los Angeles Clippers.

After two incredible games to begin the series, the Nuggets started to show serious cracks in the armor in Game 3. The Clippers won by 34 points, creating good shots consistently while taking away Denver’s ability to get easy baskets.

The Nuggets needed a Game 4 win desperately. Yes, they’ve come back from down 3-1 before, but it’s certainly not the preferable option. There have only been a handful of 3-1 comebacks in NBA history, and it’s simply playing with fire to go down in that situation.

So, Game 4 was critical. Nikola Jokic put together a masterful performance filled with dynamic scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and the occasional defensive possession. The Nuggets did what they needed to do and were up 20 points heading into the fourth quarter.

Then, the Clippers made their run. It was a slow burn, and it felt like the Nuggets were in control most of the time, but untimely turnovers and a consistent flow of scoring from the Clippers helped them chip away at the Nuggets lead until the Clippers ultimately retook the lead with just over a minute left on a wild Bogdan Bogdanovic offensive rebound putback layup that Jokic had in one hand before Bogdanovic ripped it away.

Jokic got to the free throw line the next possession and made one to tie the game. Kawhi Leonard missed the ensuing shot to take the lead, and Jokic hit one of the nastiest Sombor Shuffles over Ivica Zubac in recent memory.

Unfortunately for Denver that wasn’t enough because after a James Harden missed floater, Ivica Zubac tipped in an offensive rebound to even things up with eight seconds to go.

Then, chaos ensued, and Aaron Gordon got the last laugh.

This was one of the most insane ways to end a game in recent memory. According to Basketball Reference, it’s the first buzzer beater game-winning dunk in their data base. It took what probably would have ended up as a Clippers win in overtime (they had all of the momentum and the Nuggets were gassed) to a Nuggets victory in regulation, tying up the series in an epic way.

That it was THAT close is also epic. The NBA replay center had to go seek out addition camera shots than the ones seen on the broadcast, and there was exactly one definitive camera angle of Gordon releasing the ball before the red light went on and the buzzer sounded.

I want to focus on Aaron Gordon though and give him some props. He’s the man who’s always in the right place at the right time, and for him to have an epic moment like this is what the playoffs are all about.

The playoffs are often about stars, big shots, highlight plays, and narratives. The game is 48 minutes long, sometimes longer, but the moments in between are often what win games. Everyone’s talking about the tip-in when the buzzer sounded, but nobody’s talking about the incredibly clutch fadeaway he hit with less than six minutes to go, nor the tip-in that he had in the first quarter, nor the five assists or the chasedown block on Kawhi in the clutch.

There’s an obvious reason why, of course. It’s a buzzer-beater! The most thrilling moment possible in basketball, and Aaron Gordon did it. He accomplished a great feat, and he absolutely deserves all the credit in the world for it.

But who Gordon is, that’s the real story here. He’s the willing sacrifice. He’s the talented high overall draft pick who decided he wanted to play a role. He’s the player the Nuggets needed him to be, and he’s found a joy in that where so many people would find frustration at the lack of credit and validation that comes from standing to the side.

There’s a world where Jokic makes that turnaround three, just like the Sombor Shuffle he hit 15 seconds prior, and the world absolutely loses its mind. Rightfully so. It was an insane shot for Jokic to take in that moment, but it would’ve been really cool if he did. Nobody would’ve given a second thought to Gordon establishing rebounding position under the basket had the shot dropped, or had the shot hit the rim at all. If it hits the rim, Gordon can’t touch it, and overtime would’ve ensued.

Instead, Gordon did the work like he always does, put himself in position to clean up for his team. This time, he paid it off in the most exhilarating way possible. Next time, it will probably be matter-of-fact, something that Gordon is “supposed” to do.

These are the stories that need to be told. It’s why Gordon has earned the “Mr. Nugget” title bestowed by our friends at DNVR. He’s not going to make the insane plays that Jokic makes. He’s not going to take (and sometimes make) the crazy shots that Jamal Murray can. He’s going to be Aaron Gordon, doing whatever the team needs him to do to earn a win.

When it’s all said and done, Gordon’s name should be up in the rafters next to Jokic and Murray. Not because of what he did yesterday. Not because of what he did while winning a championship with the Nuggets two years ago. He deserves that honor because of what he brings to the team every day. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Here’s hoping Gordon and the Nuggets aren’t done for a while yet.