Nuggets star Jokic fined $25,000 for touching courtside crowd

2023-05-09 14:38

Nuggets star Jokic fined $25,000 for touching courtside crowd


Following the Denver Nuggets' 28-year-old center Nikola Jokic yesterday in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Phoenix Suns, he made physical contact with the sidelines, including Suns owner Matt Ishbia. After the controversy arose, NBA officials issued a ticket today and fined Jokic $25,000 for improper contact with the audience.


With 2:36 left in the second quarter, Suns forward Josh Okogee, 24, dropped the ball out of the courtside seat across from the Suns bench. The Suns owner Ishbia, who was in the seat, picked up the ball and tried to help Ocoge.


However, with his team leading by 10 points, Jokic quickly rushed to the sidelines to grab the ball to get the Nuggets to start the offense. He then got into an argument with the crowd on the sidelines while gesturing to another fan for the ball. At this time, his left elbow accidentally touched Ishbia's chest, and Ishbia fell back on the seat.


The referee believed that Jokic's move to push the Suns boss on the sidelines was intentional, so he called Jokic an unsportsmanlike technical foul, but Jokic was still able to continue the game. In the final game, the Suns defeated the Nuggets 129-124, and the two teams tied with 2 wins and 2 losses in the Western Conference semifinals.


Nuggets star Jokic fined $25,000 for touching courtside crowd


Jokic will face punishment, Suns owner thinks no penalty at all


As this matter continues to ferment, there is news that Jokic is likely to be suspended or fined by the NBA for pushing the Suns owner, or both.


However, the Suns boss believes that Jokic should not face any punishment for touching the audience on the sidelines, and expressed support and respect for Jokic who was suspected of pushing himself yesterday.


Today, the NBA officially fined Jokic $25,000 for having improper contact with the audience on the sidelines.