During Game 4 on Sunday night, Denver Nuggets’ star Nikola Jokic was given a technical foul for deliberately making contact with Phoenix Suns owner, Mat Ishbia. The strange incident occurred late in the second quarter when Suns’ forward Josh Okogie flew towards the courtside seats. Ishbia, who was holding the ball at the time, went to check on the Suns player while Jokic rushed over to retrieve the ball and start the Nuggets’ offensive possession. When Jokic tried to take the ball from Ishbia, it flew backward into the crowd, and his left elbow made contact with Ishbia’s chest. Jokic was assessed the technical foul for what was deemed a deliberate shove by crew chief Tony Brothers.
Response
The NBA is likely to review the incident, but it did not immediately respond on Sunday night when asked if Jokic could face a suspension and/or fine. Brothers explained his decision not to eject Jokic, stating that there was some engagement, so the technical foul was the appropriate penalty. Jokic explained that he was simply trying to retrieve the ball quickly so he could start the next play and was attempting to get Ishbia off him. Denver coach Michael Malone defended Jokic, stating that it was crazy he received the technical foul in that situation and that he is going to get the ball, and some fan is holding on to the ball like he wants to be a part of the game.
Jokic’s Performance
Despite Jokic’s incident, he scored a career-high 53 points while dishing 11 assists in the losing effort. In Denver’s past two losses, Jokic is averaging 41.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 14.0 assists, and 63% shooting. He is the first player in NBA postseason history to average a 40-point triple-double and 60% shooting in a two-game span. Jokic hopes to help the Nuggets win a pivotal Game 5 on Tuesday night in Denver.
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