Jokic-Ishbia Altercation: Here’s What Happened

During Game 4 between the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets, an unusual altercation occurred between Suns owner Mat Ishbia and Nuggets star Nikola Jokic. The Serbian player was penalized with a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct following the incident.

Towards the end of the second period, Suns guard Josh Okogie collided with the stands while trying to save a ball that was going out of bounds. Okogie ended up among a group of fans on the baseline, including Ishbia, who grabbed the ball.

Jokic, attempting to quickly recover the ball to start the Nuggets’ offensive play, tried to snatch it from Ishbia’s hands. The ball flew into the crowd, and Ishbia was knocked off balance by Jokic’s elbow.

“The ball went into the corner, and one of the fans was holding it,” referee Tony Brothers explained to a reporter. “Jokic came to get the ball, snatched it from the fan, and then deliberately pushed him, causing him to fall. For this reason, he was penalized with a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct.”

After a few minutes of confusion, during which the referees tried to clarify the situation, Jokic was penalized with a technical foul.

When questioned by the Associated Press during halftime, Ishbia stated that he was “fine” and more concerned about the outcome of the game than the altercation. In the second half, he returned to his usual seat in the stands.