Nikola Jokic scores 53 and tussles with Suns owner during Nuggets’ playoff loss

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic clashed with Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia during the first-half of Sunday’s playoff game. Photograph: Matt York/AP

Denver star Nikola Jokic was given a technical foul on Sunday evening after a clash with Phoenix owner Mat Ishbia during the Suns’ 129-124 playoff victory over the Nuggets.

In the second quarter Suns guard Josh Okogie stumbled into the seats while chasing the ball. Ishbia grabbed the ball and Jokic tried to retrieve it. Shortly after the ball flew back into the seats, Jokic and Ishbia made contact. Predictably the 6ft 11in, 285lb Jokic got the better of the tussle and Ishbia was knocked backwards into his seat. It was unclear if Jokic saw Ishbia clearly or was even aware of who he was.