Nuggets center Nikola Jokić received a technical foul during Game 4 after a controversial sideline altercation with Suns owner Mat Ishbia.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Jokić addressed the incident with Ishbia, briefly detailing his conversation with the officials while referring to Phoenix’s owner as a “fan.”
“He told me I was elbowing the fan, but the fan put the hand on me first. I thought the league is supposed to protect us, or whatever…” said Jokić, via Brandon Krisztal of KOA Colorado.
When asked if he was aware who “the fan” was, Jokić said he knew it was the Suns owner, but at the time, in his eyes, Ishbia was nothing more than a fan.
Here’s Nikola Jokic’s postgame comments about the interaction with “the fan” not caring who the fan is, just that it limited him his chance to get a 5-on-4 with Okogie on the ground. And that Ishbia touched him first.@KOAColorado #MileHighBasketball #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/bwetA9Gq4l
— Brandon Krisztal (@BKDenverSports) May 8, 2023
“But his hands on me, so they’re not going to protect me? They’re going to protect the fan?” said Jokić. “He’s influencing the game. I think he’s supposed to get kicked out if he’s influencing the game.”
It’s possible Jokić receives further discipline from the league as a result of the dispute with Ishbia, though its unclear if the league will issue a fine or suspension for the 28-year-old.
Jokić set a Nuggets franchise record with 53 points during the 129–124 loss on Sunday, but the main talking point from the game was the incident with the Suns owner in the first half.
Jokić made clear he wasn’t happy with how the league handled the situation in the moment, expressing his belief that Ishbia should have been ejected. A separate fan was ejected as a result of the incident, though Phoenix’s owner was allowed to remain at the game.
