Heat HC Erik Spoelstra 'done talking about' Nikola Jokic incident
Denver Nuggets big man and reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic was suspended one game without pay for forcefully pushing Miami Heat forward Markieff Morris from behind in a reaction to what was deemed a flagrant foul 2 committed by Morris during Monday's game between the teams.
Morris was fined $50,000, and teammate Jimmy Butler was docked $30,000 for his role in the melee and for not complying with an NBA security request for an interview.
Per Baxter Holmes of ESPN, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra made it clear ahead of Wednesday's game at the 6-5 Los Angeles Lakers he's moving on to more important matters.
"I'm done talking about it," Spoelstra said of the much-publicized incident following Wednesday's team shootaround. "I think everybody sees where I stand, where we stand on it. At this point, it's irrelevant whether we agree or disagree."
Morris isn't playing Wednesday night but is "getting better," according to Spoelstra, who didn't elaborate further. The forward is reportedly dealing with whiplash coming off Monday evening, as noted by Tim Daniels of Bleacher Report.
"Guys have to protect each other and have each others' back," Miami forward P.J. Tucker explained during comments on Wednesday. "That situation is over and we've got to move on and get ready for tonight and the next two games."
The Heat will encounter a "no rest for the weary" situation, as they will face the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.
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