The NBA avoided a grave misstep in the Suns-Nuggets playoff series with their decision on a Nikola Jokic suspension, opting for a fine alone.
After the Suns beat the Nuggest in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals, the talk wasn't about the series being evened up and heading for a thrilling finish. Instead, all the focus was on Nikola Jokic and his status for Game 5.
That's because the two-time league MVP had a potential suspension hanging over his head.
Jokic was assessed a technical in the first half of Game 4 for pushing Mat Ishbia, the Suns governor who was sitting courtside.
There was little doubt further punishment could come down the line. The question was how severe it would be. Even Ishbia pushed back at the idea of Jokic getting suspended but it was certainly a possibility.
The good news for everyone involved? The league decided against a suspension. Instead, Jokic will walk away with a $25,000 fine for "improper contact with a spectator."
NBA Statement on punishment for Nikola Jokic shove
Here's the statement the NBA released addressing the fine:
NEW YORK, May 8, 2023 – Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has been fined $25,000 for making improper contact with a spectator sitting courtside, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.
Phoenix Suns Governor Mat Ishbia came into possession of the game ball when it bounced into his hands following a play near his seat, and Jokic made contact with Ishbia in an attempt to take the game ball away and immediately after when the ball flew further back into the crowd.
The incident, for which Jokid received a technical foul, occurred with 2:36 remaining in the second quarter of the Nuggets' 129-124 loss to the Suns in Game 4 of their conference semifinals playoff series on May 7 at Footprint Center.
Thankfully the NBA kept a level head on this one, especially because Jokic was hardly an aggressor in the incident. He definitely pushed out a forearm at Ishbia but doing so after Ishbia wouldn't relinquish the ball in the first place makes the whole thing feel less serious.
No one was hurt and now we know the series won't be harmed with Jokic off the floor for a game.
Jokic has been a monster in the series. After scoring 39 in Game 2 and 30 in Game 3, he scored 53 points on Sunday, with four rebounds and 11 assists. His six turnovers were a dark spot on his performance, alongside the fact that the Nuggets lost their second-straight game in Phoenix.
The Nuggets and Suns will face off again on Tuesday night in Denver for Game 5 and Jokic will be in uniform.
