Following the game between the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets, Nikola Jokic commented on the altercation with Suns owner Mat Ishbia. The Serbian player explained that he was simply trying to quickly retrieve the ball to start the next play and attempting to free himself from Ishbia.
“[Referee Brothers] told me I was elbowing the fan,” Jokic said. “But the fan put his hand on me first. So, I thought the league is supposed to protect us or whatever, but maybe I’m wrong, so we will see.”
When asked if he anticipates a suspension and/or a fine, Jokic asked why. “But his hands [were] on me,” Jokic explained. “So [the NBA] is not going to protect me? They’re going to protect the fan? Not me as a person. I’m talking about as a player.”
Jokic was asked if he knew who the fan was that he tried to take the ball away from. “He’s a fan of [the Suns]. I know who he is, but he’s a fan, isn’t he?” Jokic answered. When told that it was Ishbia, the team’s owner, Jokic replied that Ishbia was still seated in the front row courtside. “He’s a fan, isn’t he? He cannot influence the game by holding the ball.”
Denver coach Michael Malone defended his superstar. “I think it’s crazy that Nikola got a technical foul in that situation,” Malone said. “He is going to get the ball, and some fan is holding onto the ball like he wants to be a part of the game. Just give the ball up, man.”
When asked if the fan being Ishbia made any difference, Malone replied, “I don’t give a s—. I really don’t care.”
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