The NBA decided against suspended superstar Nikola Jokić but still fined the two-time MVP after an incident on Sunday night.
Jokić went to retrieve a ball in the stands during Game 4 of the Second Round series between his Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Suns. During the act, he appeared to shove Suns owner Mat Ishbia. This drew significant attention on Sunday night, and many wondered if the league would suspend the Nugget superstar. However, they ultimately decided against that and issued him a $25,000 fine instead.
“Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić has been fined $25,000 for making improper contact with a spectator sitting courtside,” the league announced.
The move made by the NBA is the most sensible one. Nobody wants to see a superstar get suspended midway through an NBA Playoffs series. While the contact might have flagged a violation, it did not warrant any suspension. The Suns owner agreed with that sentiment on Monday morning.
“Suspending or fining anyone over last night’s incident would not be right,” Ishbia said. “I have a lot of respect for Jokić and don’t want to see anything like that.”
So the NBA made a move that was a big enough hit with everyone. The NBA world reacted to the news about the superstar as the series moves to a pivotal Game 5 in the Mile High.
Nikola Jokic fined $25,000 for attempting to secure the game basketball from someone holding it hostage courtside https://t.co/6382ryGNRG
— Kenny Ducey (@KennyDucey) May 8, 2023
"Nikola Jokic has been fined and will be forced to play roughly 42 seconds of basketball, free of charge!" – the NBA
— Tim (@ChuckShots) May 8, 2023
“We don't want to decide the series" https://t.co/JDZMnNGTsF
— 𝕂 𝔸 𝕄 (@WaHeName) May 8, 2023
Ridiculous. Is Ishbia being fined $2.5M? https://t.co/C1hUm5tgxD
— Rob Johnson (@RobEJohnsonJr) May 8, 2023