During Game 4 of the Phoenix-Denver matchup, an incident occurred between the Nuggets' star center, Nikola Jokic, and the new owner of the Suns, Mat Ishbia. As a result of this altercation, Jokic was fined $25,000.
However, before Game 5, Jokic approached Ishbia in a friendly manner and appeared to have put the incident behind them. Jokic tossed Ishbia a basketball, and the two exchanged a quick handshake and hug before Jokic walked off.
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Mat Ishbia Respects Nikola Jokic
The altercation in Game 4 occurred when Jokic wanted to do a quick inbound, but Ishbia refused to give the basketball back to him, causing the ball to fly into the stands.
Jokic, not knowing who Ishbia was, put a forearm into his chest, resulting in a technical foul and another Suns fan being ejected from the Footprint Center.
The NBA fined Jokic for making improper contact with a spectator sitting courtside, but Ishbia did not want to see anyone suspended or fined for the incident. He added that he has a lot of respect for Jokic.
Despite scoring 53 points in Game 4, Jokic's team lost to Ishbia's Suns, resulting in the series being tied 2-2.
The incident between Jokic and Ishbia caused tension during Game 4, but the gesture made by Jokic before Game 5 smoothed things over.
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