Nuggets' Nikola Jokic won't be suspended for Game 5 after incident

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.

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."

Denver coach Michael Malone also thought the technical foul was undeserved.

"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.

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.