A heated Game 4 between the Nuggets and Suns was unexpectedly interrupted on Sunday by a bizarre sideline interaction between Nikola Jokić and Phoenix owner Mat Ishbia that led to discipline for the Denver star center.
The incident occurred after Jokić tried to secure a rebound after blocking Deandre Ayton’s layup with Denver up, 56–55, at the 2:36 mark of the second quarter. Jokić and Suns guard Josh Okgie attempted to corral the ball before it tumbled out of bounds and into the hands of what appeared to be a fan in the front row.
As it turns out, that fan was none other than Ishbia, who briefly ended up face-to-face with Jokić before the Serbian big man tried to rip the ball away. A confused Jokić then looked around before appearing to nudge Ishbia away with his forearm as he and a few other spectators reacted to the moment. The wild scene (which had NBA Twitter sounding off) became even more dramatic when the Suns owner delivered an apparent flop from Jokić‘s push while the crowd showered the two-time MVP with boos.
After a brief stoppage to review the altercation, the officiating crew penalized Jokić with an unsportsmanlike technical foul, resulting in a technical free throw by Suns star Kevin Durant to tie the game. Moments later, one of the spectators seated near Ishbia was ejected from the game and escorted out by security.
Jokic shoves Suns owner Mat Ishbia 😳 pic.twitter.com/5UBBAkM2Ba
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) May 8, 2023
The Nuggets would get the ball back after the skirmish and finished the half trailing 63–61.
With the tension appearing to be nearing a fever pitch, the second half of Sunday’s Game 4 could feature some explosive action as the Nuggets hope to secure a 3–1 series lead over the Suns.
