During Game 4 in the closely contested series between the Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets, an altercation occurred between the Suns’ new owner and Nikola Jokic.
In an incident that is being discussed a lot on social media, Nikola Jokic appeared to push Mat Ishbia, who was sitting courtside and held on to the ball for too long.
Jokic just shoved the owner of the suns 😳 pic.twitter.com/oQOyZDP1A1
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) May 8, 2023
The two-time MVP was not apologetic about what happened, but Ishbia’s reaction was even more interesting.
“Asked Mat Ishbia what happened with Jokic. Ishbia said he didn’t want to talk about what happened,” wrote ESPN reporter Ohm Youngmisuk on Twitter.
Asked Mat Ishbia what happened with Jokic. Ishbia said he didn’t want to talk about what happened. https://t.co/zYP9NIW2XZ
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) May 8, 2023
Not saying anything is an interesting choice by Ishbiaa, as there has been speculation that Jokic might be suspended for shoving him. But it makes sense that he would keep his silence at this time, his team could gain a big advantage if the NBA decides to punish Jokic.
Considering how passionate he is, Ishiba will want any advantage he can get for his Suns, but he will also likely have more to say when the league has decided what to do. Nikola Jokic has been transcendental against the Suns even though the Nuggets have lost the last two games, and the hope will be that he isn’t suspended so Game 5 can provide another spectacle.
Nikola Jokic And Nuggets Coach Mike Malone Have Both Spoken Out Against Ishbia’s Actions
This is an interesting situation because as per the NBA’s rules, Jokic getting involved with a fan, which applies to anyone sitting courtside, could be grounds for suspension. But it’s clear that Ishbia’s actions were hindering the game and that he too laid his hand on Jokic’s back, with his position as Suns owner making it complicated.
Nikola Jokic seems to think that the league must protect him as the player in this scenario. And Mike Malone went as far as to say that Ishiba’s status as the owner of the Suns shouldn’t matter at all in that situation.
“I still am not sure of what happened, I haven’t seen the video of it. I think it’s crazy that Nikola [Jokic] got a technical foul in that situation. He’s 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. They deemed Nikola for doing something excessive and gave him a technical. I still don’t really understand it… I don’t give a sh*t. I really don’t care.”
It will be interesting to see what, if anything, comes out of this whole fiasco. But whether Jokic is punished or not, the league will surely speak with Ishiba and let him know that he can’t get involved in this manner. One way or another, it seems like this series is turning into a true classic.
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