In one of the more peculiar sequences we’ll ever see in the NBA Playoffs, Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic shoved Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia in the chest following a play during Game 4.
Jokic initially went over to the sideline in an attempt to gather the loose ball after the whistle had blown, which Ishbia was holding onto with his dear life, but he’d end up elbowing him, leading to a possible flop by the former Michigan State hooper and now Suns team owner.
Jokic would receive a technical foul for his actions, and many wondered if further punishment was on the way for the two-time NBA MVP.
On Monday, less than 24 hours after the Nuggets fell to the Suns, the NBA issued Jokic’s punishment, and luckily, he escaped relatively unscathed.
Not only did Jokic avoid a suspension for Game 5, as some had speculated, he was fined just $25K for making contact with spectators.
This obviously comes as great news for the Nuggets, knowing Jokic will be in the lineup for a crucial Game 5 with the two teams tied at two wins in the series.
Yet, not even the Suns owner himself wanted to see Jokic suspended, so it’s hard to imagine anyone taking real issue with the NBA’s decision. Meanwhile, Jokic may not agree, saying he thought the league was “supposed to protect us,” shortly after the loss on Sunday night.
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