Denver Nuggets All-Star middle Nikola Jokic was assessed a technical foul within the second quarter of Game 4 on Sunday after an altercation with Phoenix Suns proprietor Mat Ishbia.
Late within the second quarter, Suns guard Josh Okogie crashed into the seats whereas making an attempt to avoid wasting a free ball. He landed in a gaggle of followers on the baseline that included Ishbia, who grabbed the basketball.
Jokic was making an attempt to get the basketball shortly — apparently so the Nuggets may begin their offensive possession — when he tried to take the ball away from Ishbia. The ball flew backward into the group, after which Ishbia was knocked backward by Jokic’s elbow.
Jokic (15) reaches for the basketball after pushing off Phoenix Suns proprietor Mat Ishbia (L) in the course of the first half.
| Photo Credit: Getty Images by way of AFP
Jokic was unapologetic after the sport, which the Suns gained 129-124.
“The fan put the hand on me first,” Jokic mentioned. “I thought the league was supposed to protect us. Maybe I am wrong. I know who he is, but he is a fan. Isn’t he?
Said Nuggets coach Michael Malone: “(Jokic) is going to get the ball and some fan is holding on to the ball like he wants to be part of the game. Just give the ball up, man.”
There have been a couple of minutes of confusion as officers sorted out the bizarre scene, after which Jokic was assessed a technical foul. The Suns made the following free throw.
Suns star Devin Booker — who completed with 36 factors and 12 assists — mentioned he knew it was Ishbia in the midst of the fracas.
“He got us a point!” Booker mentioned with a smile.
Ishbia informed The Associated Press at halftime that he was “fine” and extra frightened in regards to the sport than the altercation. He was again in his regular seats within the second half. The tiff didn’t appear to trouble Jokic both — the MVP runner-up completed with 53 factors on 20-of-30 capturing.
Ishbia has solely been the Suns’ proprietor for just a few months, buying the crew from the embattled Robert Sarver.
Game 5 is on Tuesday in Denver. The sequence is tied at two video games every.
