Nikola Jokic reveals $25,000 reason for pre-game moment with Suns owner Mat Ishbia
Nikola Jokic shared a wholesome moment with Phoenix Suns’ owner, Mat Ishbia, whom he had an altercation with in Game 4.
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Nikola Jokic shoving Suns' owner Mat Ishbia.
The Western Conference Semi-Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Suns have been full of intensity and rage. At one point, the intensity boiled over, resulting in an altercation between Former MVP Nikola Jokic and the Suns’ owner Mat Ishbia. This is all the tale of Game 4 between both teams, which could’ve taken any turn at any point. Take a revisit to the recent drama involving both individuals, which resulted in a $25,000 fine for the Nuggets’ star, Jokic.
With less than three minutes left in the first half, the Nuggets gained possession of the ball as it went out of bounds. Mat Ishbia, who is the owner of the Suns’ team, held onto the ball to prevent the Nuggets from setting up a play. Jokic attempted to get the ball back from Ishbia by reaching into the stands, but Ishbia did not release it. Eventually, Jokic pushed Ishbia to take the ball. Ishbia exaggerated the impact of the push and pretended to fall, resulting in Jokic receiving an unsportsmanlike technical foul.
Though, this matter was turned into a wholesomely funny moment by Nikola Jokic before Game 5 began. Jokic walked towards the courtside seat where Ishbia was sitting and hilariously handed him the ball. Ishbia then caught the ball, and they both proceeded to shake hands and hug it out as everyone around cheered and laughed.
While talking about why Jokic did this, he gave a hilarious reason. Jokic highlighted that he would do the same to anyone else and just wanted to have a light-hearted moment. He said, “I just wanted to make fun at least a little bit. And I was hoping he’s gonna pay my [$25,000] fine, but nah.”
Related: WATCH: “F**ked around and found out” – Nikola Jokic SHOVES Suns owner who flops embarrassingly
Background of the physical altercation between Nuggets star Nikola Jokic and Suns’ owner Mat Ishbia
The altercation between Ishbia and Jokic that happened in the second quarter resulted in the drama unfolding further. Jokic, right after the game, targeted the NBA for fining him and protecting Ishbia instead of scrutinizing him for interfering with the play.
Jokic had 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.” He then added, “Whoever the fan is, he cannot influence the game by holding the ball. 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?”
Even the Nuggets’ head coach, Mike Malone came in Jokic’s defense and targeted Ishbia. Malone said, “He’s 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!”
Malone further commented, “They deemed Nikola doing something excessive and gave him a tech. I still don’t really understand it.” Later, when the reporter revealed that the person involved was the owner of the Suns team, Mat Ishbia, Malone responded by saying, “I don’t give a s**t…I really don’t care.”
The controversy now seems to have come to an end with Jokic and Ishbia embracing. The Nuggets now lead the series 3-2 and are one step from qualifying for the Conference Finals. The stakes are going to be high for the Suns, who will be in a do-or-die situation on Friday. It’ll be interesting to see what goes down in Game 6, as both teams will have intensity higher than ever!
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Harshit Singh
(434 Articles Published)