Nikola Jokic PUSHES Suns owner Mat Ishbia while retrieving the ball from the stands and receives a technical foul… but still scores a career-high post-season 53 points in the Game 4 loss to Phoenix
- Jokic posted a career-high 53 points in Sunday’s loss to the Phoenix Suns
- There was no word from the league about a possible further discipline
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Denver Nuggets All-Star center Nikola Jokic has dismissed claims he could be suspended for Game 5 of the series with the Phoenix Suns after he received a technical foul for forcing Suns owner Mat Ishbia into the game.
The incident happened in the second quarter of Game 4 on Sunday when Sun guard Josh Okogie crashed into the seats while trying to save a loose ball. He ended up in a group of fans at the baseline that included Ishbia, who grabbed the basketball.
Jokic tried to get the basketball fast – apparently so the Nuggets could start their offensive possession – as he tried to take the ball away from Ishbia. The ball flew backwards into the crowd and then Ishbia was knocked backwards by Jokic’s elbow.
Jokic didn’t apologize after the game, which the Suns won 129-124, but he scored a brilliant 53 points overall.
“The fan laid hands on me first,” said Jokic. “I thought the league was supposed to protect us. Maybe I’m wrong. I know who he is but he’s on the pitch so he’s a fan right? He cannot influence the game.”
Nikola Jokic was seen shoving Sun’s owner Mat Ishbia as he tried to get the ball
After the incident, coaches, officials and other players quickly kicked two separate Jokic into the crowd from the front row
Ishbia (second from left) was sitting in his usual spot on the sidelines when the shove took place
He was asked if he feared risking a Game 5 fine or suspension.
‘Why? His hands are on me,” Jokic said. Won’t you protect me? You will protect the fan? I speak about this as a player.
“They can do anything of course, they don’t care, but I think they’re supposed to protect the players.”
Nuggets manager Michael Malone added: “(Jokic) is going to get the ball and a fan is holding onto the ball like they want to be part of the game. Just pass the ball man.’
When Malone was told the fan was Ishbia, he simply replied, “I’m not giving up. I really don’t care.’
There were a few minutes of confusion as officers sorted out the strange scene and then Jokic was assessed a technical foul. The Suns then made the free throw.
Suns star Devin Booker – who finished with 36 points and 12 assists – said he knew it was Ishbia in the midst of the turmoil.
“He got us a point!” said Booker with a grin.
Despite the nudge, Jokic posted a career-high 50+ points in the postseason
Denver’s MVP candidate also recorded 11 assists to end the night with another double-double
Ishbia told The Associated Press at half-time that he was “fine” and more worried about the game than the altercation.
In the second half he was back in his usual places. The incident didn’t seem to bother Jokic either – the MVP runner-up finished with 53 points on 20-of-30 shooting.
Ishbia has only been the owner of the Suns for a few months and bought the team from the embattled Robert Sarver.
Game 5 takes place in Denver on Tuesday. The series is tied in two games each.