Nikola Jokić’s encounter with new Suns owner Mat Ishbia was the viral moment of Phoenix’s Game 4 win, as Ishbia appeared to flop as Jokić tried to get the ball from him during a dead ball period. The Nuggets star received a technical for the incident, even though he didn’t seem to strike Ishbia.
On Monday, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith addressed the situation on his podcast, and he commended Ishbia for his acting job.
“Mat Ishbia, bravo man, bravo,” Smith said. “That was a flop that Vlade Divac couldn’t have pulled off. He clearly is taking acting lessons, I might go to him to learn how to flop.”
An OWNER flop?! Honestly it was a great one…bravo pic.twitter.com/DPE0Rje6C5
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) May 8, 2023
Despite Ishbia’s exaggeration, the Suns owner said on Twitter that Jokić was not deserving of a suspension. Smith agreed with that opinion, claiming that Jokić didn’t know who Ishbia was when he was getting the ball.
“I don’t think Jokic knew who it was,” Smith said. “I’m telling the NBA right now, do not suspend this man.”
The NBA hasn’t announced whether it will punish Jokić or Ishbia yet. Game 5 between the two teams will be Tuesday night in Denver.
