Nuggets: Nikola Jokic Hands the Ball to Suns Owner Mat Ishbia Before Game 5

(Photo : Christian Petersen / Staff) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - Deandre Ayton (#22) of the Phoenix Suns attempts a shot over Nikola Jokic (#15) of the Denver Nuggets during Game Four of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Footprint Center on May 07, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Nuggets 129-124.

During Game 4 of the Phoenix-Denver matchup, an incident occurred between the Nuggets' star center, Nikola Jokic, and the new owner of the Suns, Mat Ishbia. As a result of this altercation, Jokic was fined $25,000.

However, before Game 5, Jokic approached Ishbia in a friendly manner and appeared to have put the incident behind them. Jokic tossed Ishbia a basketball, and the two exchanged a quick handshake and hug before Jokic walked off.

Read More: Nuggets: Nikola Jokic Fined for Pushing Suns Owner

Mat Ishbia Respects Nikola Jokic

The altercation in Game 4 occurred when Jokic wanted to do a quick inbound, but Ishbia refused to give the basketball back to him, causing the ball to fly into the stands.

Jokic, not knowing who Ishbia was, put a forearm into his chest, resulting in a technical foul and another Suns fan being ejected from the Footprint Center.

The NBA fined Jokic for making improper contact with a spectator sitting courtside, but Ishbia did not want to see anyone suspended or fined for the incident. He added that he has a lot of respect for Jokic.

Despite scoring 53 points in Game 4, Jokic's team lost to Ishbia's Suns, resulting in the series being tied 2-2.

The incident between Jokic and Ishbia caused tension during Game 4, but the gesture made by Jokic before Game 5 smoothed things over.

Related Article: Nuggets: Nikola Jokic on Tragic Belgrade Shooting 

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