Phoenix Suns team owner Mat Ishbia said Monday he doesn’t want to see Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic get suspended for his involvement in a sideline scuffle during Game 4.
Ishbia made the comments in a tweet hours after the altercation.
“Great win for the Suns last night in an amazing series so far!” the billionaire wrote. “That should be and is the only story. Suspending or fining anyone over last nights incident would not be right. I have alot of respect for Jokic and don’t want to see anything like that. Excited for game 5! Go Suns!”
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In the second quarter, Suns guard Josh Okogie crashed into the seats while trying to save a loose ball. He landed in a group of fans on the baseline of the Footprint Center in Phoenix that included Ishbia, who grabbed the basketball.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic get into an altercation in the stands during Game 4 the Western Conference semifinal game against the Suns, Sunday, May 7, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Jokic was trying to get the ball back in play quickly. When he tried to take the ball from Ishbia, the ball went backward into the crowd and Jokic appeared to nudge Ishbia to clear his space. Ishbia exaggerated just how hard Jokic pushed him and appeared to flail back dramatically into his seat.
Jokic was hit with a technical foul. The Suns won the game 129-124.
KEVIN DURANT, DEVIN BOOKER LEAD SUNS OVER NUGGETS IN GAME 4 TO EVEN SERIES
Suns owner Mat Ishbia sits courtside during the Los Angeles Clippers game at the Footprint Center on April 25, 2023, in Phoenix. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA Today Sports)
The two-time MVP was unapologetic after the game.
“The fan put the hand on me first,” Jokic said after the game. “I thought the league was supposed to protect us. Maybe I am wrong. I know who he is, but he is a fan. Isn’t he?”
Nuggets coach Michael Malone did not understand why Ishbia got involved.
“(Jokic) is going to get the ball and some fan is holding on to the ball like he wants to be part of the game. Just give the ball up, man,” Malone said.
Jokic scored 53 points in the four-point loss.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic looks at the clock during the Western Conference semifinal game against the Suns, Sunday, May 7, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
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Game 5 is on Tuesday night back in Denver. The series is tied 2-2.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
