Heated Moment Between Harden and Gordon Sparks Scuffle in Clippers vs Nuggets Game 4

Tensions boiled over in Game 4 of the Clippers vs. Nuggets playoff series when James Harden and Aaron Gordon clashed following a foul by Christian Braun. With just 7.8 seconds left in the first half, Harden was fouled by Braun as he prepared for the final shot. The foul included some excessive contact that Harden didn’t appreciate.

Visibly frustrated, Harden got in Braun’s face and exchanged heated words. Braun responded with a smirk, prompting Harden to square up further. Aaron Gordon quickly stepped in to defend his teammate, but in the process, appeared to strike Harden in the face, escalating the confrontation.

James Harden didn’t like Christian Braun’s foul and the Clippers and Nuggets go at it pic.twitter.com/Fxq8brOK2H

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 26, 2025

The altercation intensified as both teams rushed in. Ivica Zubac held Gordon back, while Nicolas Batum and Norman Powell restrained Harden. Braun was also pulled away by Michael Porter Jr. and others.

The incident, which featured multiple facial contacts—including Gordon accidentally hitting Powell—sparked outrage among Clippers fans. Despite the chaos, no ejections were made. Referee Zach Zarba cited the absence of a closed-fist hit, opting for technical fouls for Harden, Gordon, Nikola Jokic, and Powell.

“The refs made the right call to keep the game flowing,” one fan posted online, echoing the crowd’s mixed relief and frustration.

“KICK HIM OUT!” chants after the replay showed Aaron Gordon connecting with Norman Powell’s face. pic.twitter.com/iFzpQhSCIL

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 26, 2025