The Nuggets and Nikola Jokic can breathe a little easier after the superstar center avoided a suspension for shoving Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia during Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals on Sunday.
The two-time NBA MVP was fined $25,000, however.
Chaos ensued when Suns guard Josh Okogie crashed into the stands near the team owner to save a loose ball late in the first half.
Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) avoided a suspension after appearing to shove Suns owner Mat Isbhia on Sunday. AP
Jokic became upset when fans — including Ishbia (left, green jacket) would not give him the ball back. Getty ImagesJokic, attempting to get the ball back, appeared to shove Ishbia, who flew backward.
The Nuggets star center was given a level-one technical foul in the game but many speculated a suspension was possible, though Ishbia himself lobbied against one.
“Great win for the Suns last night in an amazing series so far! That should be and is the only story,” Ishbia tweeted. “Suspending or fining anyone over last night’s incident would not be right. I have alot of respect for Jokic and don’t want to see anything like that. Excited for game 5! Go Suns!”
The Serbian star, apparently unaware of Ishbia’s purchase of the Phoenix franchise this season, blamed the fans for not giving him the ball.
“The fan put his hand on me first,” he told reporters. “I thought the league was supposed to protect us. Maybe I am wrong. I know who he is, but he is a fan. Isn’t he?”
His coach, Michael Malone, also defended Jokic and was infuriated by Ishbia’s actions.
“[Jokic] Going to get the ball and some fan is holding on to the ball like he wants to be part of the game,” Malone said. The Nuggets coach was informed that Ishbia is the Suns’ owner, to which he replied, “I don’t give a s–t. I really don’t care.”
The Suns held on for a 129-124 win that sets up a fasctinating Game 5 on Tuesday in Denver.
