Global Courant 2023-05-08 06:16:49
PHOENIX (AP) — Denver Nuggets All-Star center Nikola Jokic received a technical foul in the second quarter of Game 4 on Sunday after an altercation with Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia.
Late 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 at the baseline, including Ishbia, who took the basketball.
Jokic was trying to get hold of the basketball quickly—apparently so the Nuggets could begin their offensive possession—when he tried to get the ball away from Ishbia. The ball flew backwards into the crowd and then Ishbia was knocked back by Jokic’s elbow.
There were a few minutes of confusion as the officials sorted out the weird scene, after which Jokic received a technical foul.
Ishbia told The Associated Press at halftime that he was “fine” and was more concerned about the play than the altercation. In the second half he was back in his familiar place.
Ishbia has only owned the Suns for a few months and bought the team from embattled Robert Sarver.
The Suns led 63-61 at halftime in Game 4. Jokic had 24 points.
___
AP NBA: and
