Denver Nuggets center and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic has been assessed for a technical foul for making contact with Phoenix Suns owner Matt Ichpia during the second quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals on Sunday. Here’s what you need to know:
- Suns forward Josh Okoji sprinted through the crowd to put a shot that smashed into Ishpea’s hand. He grabbed the ball while the fans helped Okogie to his feet.
- Joki then tried to grab the ball from Ishbia, who was reluctant to give up the ball. The Nuggets center called him after the ball came free.
- A fan was removed from his seat for making contact with Jokic. Ichpia remained in his seat after the incident.
- Denver entered Game 4 with a 2-1 lead in the series.
Nikola Jokic appeared to push Suns owner Matt Ichpeia after the play.
Gokic was awarded a technical foul.
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– The Athletic May 8, 2023
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court fuss
Isbhia was sitting in his usual owner’s seats. Hall of Fame point guard and Detroit Pistons “Bad Boy” Isiah Thomas, who had been around Suns owner throughout the playoffs, sat to his right. Jokic wanted the ball so Denver could get in quickly, but Okogie was still trying to untangle himself from the crowd.
When Jokic received the ball, Ichveia seemed to try to hold onto it. The ball flipped back into the crowd. Jokic did not appreciate this. He looked at Ishbia and pushed him with his left elbow.
Eshpia, a former Michigan State basketball player, sold it and fell off his seat. The crowd booed. The officials revised the sequence and gave Jokic an unsportsmanlike technical foul. – Haller
(Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)