Nuggets' Nikola Jokic won't face a suspension despite pushing Mat Ishbia, the owner of the Phoenix Suns, during the fourth game of the Western Conference semifinals.
However, Jokic has been fined $25,000 for "improper contact with a spectator sitting courtside," according to the NBA.
Following an unsportsmanlike technical foul, Jokic tried to grab a dead ball from Ishbia's hands, hoping to start a play while Suns player Josh Okogie fell into the front row of the stands. Ishbia and other fans made contact with Jokic, who pushed Ishbia with a slight forearm shove. Ishbia fell back into his seat from a standing position.
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Nikola Jokic: Protect Players and Fans
The incident became a hot topic on social media and overshadowed the game's result, which the Suns won 129-124. Some people debated whether Ishbia flopped or Jokic made excessive contact.
Jokic argued that he was touched by a fan first and called on the NBA to protect players and fans.
However, the NBA's rulebook states that players who deliberately enter the stands other than as a continuance of play, will be automatically ejected.
The official in charge, Tony Brothers, explained that Jokic had deliberately shoved Ishbia and that the technical foul was an appropriate penalty.
Despite the incident involving their opponent's owner, Denver head coach Michael Malone and Jokic shrugged it off, emphasizing that Ishbia was just a fan who could not influence the game by holding the ball.
Ishbia, for his part, expressed his desire to move on from the incident without any fine or suspension.
He congratulated the Suns on their win and called for a focus on the game. He also expressed his respect for Jokic and said he did not want to see anything like that again.
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