Nikola Jokic's dustup with the Phoenix Suns' owner cost him a point, but won't cost him a game.
The following was released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/uMB9t5nvi4
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 8, 2023
Jokic got a technical foul at the time, and a $25K fine Monday, for "making improper contact with a spectator."
That spectator was Mat Ishbia, the new owner of the Suns, who refused to hand Jokic the game ball when it went into the stands.
That prevented the Nuggets from getting a 5-on-4 fast break, and when Jokic tried to grab the ball, he pushed Ishibia away.
Nikola Jokic shoves Suns Owner Matt Ishbia after trying to get the ball pic.twitter.com/tnYsILH3kV
— Backcourt Alerts (@BackcourtAlerts) May 8, 2023
The NBA has little tolerance for players getting into it with fans, but this wasn't just a random fan. This was a team owner, injecting himself into a close playoff game. And flopping like the former college basketball bench warmer he is.
Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith defended Jokic, with Smith saying, "If it had been any other fan in the world, Jokic wouldn't have gotten a technical."
Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith questioned Nikola Jokić receiving a technical and Mat Ishbia not being ejected. "If another fan wouldn't have let the ball go, he would have got tossed," Barkley said. pic.twitter.com/C9mMFOhxVM
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 8, 2023
Denver coach Michael Malone also thought the technical foul was undeserved.
Nuggets coach Michael Malone was upset Nikola Jokic was called for a technical foul during the incident with Suns owner Mat Ishbia. When asked if Malone thought it made a difference that the fan was Ishbia, he replied, “I don’t give a ” pic.twitter.com/dYaxE4OPSw
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 8, 2023
"I think it's crazy that Nikola got a technical foul," Malone told reporters after the game. "Going to get the ball, and some fan is holding onto the ball like he wants to be a part of the game. Just give the ball up, man."
When asked if he though the call was made because the Suns' owner was the fan, Malone had a colorful response. "I don't give a s---. I really don't care."
Perhaps embarrassed by his actions. Ishiba took to Twitter to ask the NBA not to suspend Jokic.
Great win for the Suns last night in an amazing series so far!
— Mat Ishbia (@Mishbia15) May 8, 2023
That should be and is the only story. Suspending or fining anyone over last nights incident would not be right. I have alot of respect for Jokic and don’t want to see anything like that. Excited for game 5! Go Suns!
The Suns-Nuggets series continues Tuesday in Denver, and returns to Phoenix Thursday night, where Ishbia presumably will hand over any loose balls he catches to the proper authorities.
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