Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was fined $25,000 after shoving Phoenix Suns owner Matt Ichpeia during the fourth inning of the Western Series on Sunday. The day after the Suns’ series win, a ruling was reached by W.J announce Written by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President and President of NBA Basketball Operations.
The incident occurred with 2:36 remaining in the second quarter. With Denver up by one point (55-54), the ball went out of bounds and ended up in Ishpea’s hands. Jokic hastily tried to retrieve it, but when he tried to grab it from Ishbija’s grasp, the ball slipped out of their hands and fell into the spectator’s possession. Jokic then thrust his left forearm into Ishpia’s chest, who fell back into his seat with his hands raised in the air.
Security quickly got in between the individuals involved as Denver native Aaron Gordon pulled his teammate out of the crowd.
The situation was defused before it escalated. However, another fan, who was seated behind Ishpea, was thrown out of the ring for reaching and making contact with Jokic’s left arm during the scuffle. Jokic also received a technical foul for pushing.
The game continued, and the Suns were left victorious, winning 129-124 despite Jokic’s 53-point showing.
“The fan put her hands on me first,” Jokic said to reporters. “I thought the league was supposed to protect us. Maybe I’m wrong. I know who he is, but he’s a fan, right?”
When asked about the incident, Suns star Devin Booker joked; “We (Eshbia) got a point, and he did his job.” The reporter responded by saying that Ishbia fumbled, to which Booker laughed.
Eshbiyeh stated on Twitter that it would be wrong for the league to suspend or fine anyone for the incident. He also paid his respects to the two-time MVP. Despite the fine, Jokic will be allowed to play in the fifth game on Tuesday.