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.
Read More: Nuggets: Nikola Jokic Fined for Pushing Suns Owner
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.
Nuggets star Nikola Jokic came over to Suns owner Mat Ishbia pregame, hands him the ball, and the two embraced.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 10, 2023
(via @espn_macmahon)pic.twitter.com/5QIH1c2RTZ
Related Article: Nuggets: Nikola Jokic on Tragic Belgrade Shooting
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
