“League is supposed to protect us” – Nikola Jokic BLASTS NBA for not kicking Suns owner out of his team’s arena

The Denver Nuggets’ star player Nikola Jokic issued a clarification on his actions of shoving Suns’ owner as he seemed to be attacking the NBA.

“League is supposed to protect us” – Nikola Jokic BLASTS NBA for not kicking Suns owner out of his team’s arena

Nikola Jokic shoving Suns' owner Mat Ishbia.

Pressure ran high as the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets faced off in Game 4 of the Western semifinals series. The highly competitive game was back and forth and the action was limited to the court until the second quarter, when an unexpected altercation changed the atmosphere inside the Footprint Center. Controversy and drama ensued as Nikola Jokic was involved in an altercation with Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia.

With about 2 minutes 36 seconds remaining on the clock, the ball went out of bounds. Ishbia held on to the ball, and Jokic ran into the courtside seats and tried to yank the ball off the Suns’ owner. While attempting to retrieve the ball, the Nuggets superstar shoved Ishbia, who flopped upon taking the light elbow and pretended to fall. Jokic was handed an unsportsmanlike technical foul for his part in the altercation.

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Jokic was asked about the altercation during his post-game interview. The former MVP, in response to a question regarding the referee’s intent behind handing him a tech, said, “He told me I was elbowing the fan. But the fan put their hand on me first. I thought the league is supposed to protect us. Maybe I’m wrong so we will see.”

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When asked if Jokic knew the fan, he replied, “[if he’s] sitting on the courtside, he’s a fan isn’t he?” He said, “Whoever the fan is, he cannot influence the game by holding the ball.” When asked if Jokic was worried about being suspended for his actions, he candidly replied, “Why [should I worry about a suspension]? His hands were on me, so they’re not going to protect me? They’re gonna protect the fan?” Jokic while further talking about Ishbia’s actions said, “He’s influencing the game. I think he’s supposed to get kicked out.”

Related: “F**ked around and found out” – Nikola Jokic SHOVES Suns owner who flops embarrassingly

Will Nikola Jokic get suspended for Game 5 vs. the Suns?

Nikola Jokic in action for the Denver Nuggets.
Nikola Jokic in action for the Denver Nuggets.

Jokic also answered questions about why he took it upon himself to retrieve the ball and didn’t wait for the referee. According to the Nuggets superstar, Ishbia knew what he was doing by holding the ball and ensuring Denver didn’t get a fastbreak. Jokic added that they had the advantage in the final four minutes. Hence, he took it upon himself to get the ball back.

But could Jokic’s action lead to a suspension? The answer to this question is complicated. Per NBA Rulebook, players must be ejected for “deliberately entering the stands other than as a continuance of play.” The rulebook explicitly mentions that a player cannot enter the stands. However, Jokic only went courtside to retrieve the ball.

The situation becomes even more complex when Ishbia’s role of interfering with play kicks in. Therefore, it becomes a matter of interpretation. The answer to whether Jokic will get a suspension will be answered likely as soon as Monday. Fans will have their eyes set on this issue to learn whether the two-time MVP will miss out on a crucial playoff game due to an innocuous altercation. Game 5 between the Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets goes down on Monday.

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