Shortly before halftime of Monday’s game between the Detroit Pistons and the Denver Nuggets, Nuggets center and two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić was ejected.
Jokić’s night ended early due to the two (the other came in the first quarter) technical fouls he picked up for arguing with the referees, something which superstar players generally get far more leeway on than Jokić was shown Monday.
It was egregious enough that even Pistons play-by-play man George Blaha ripped into the officials for the decision, rightfully stating that fans are there to see the players, not the referees.
Nikola Jokić was ejected from Monday night's game against the Pistons, and Detroit play-by-play man George Blaha had choice words for the officials after it.
"Let me tell you this, these fans did not come here to see Curtis Blair, Tre Maddox or Andy Nagy, whoever they are. pic.twitter.com/lD8t8GdXRb
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 21, 2023
This is Denver’s only trip to Detroit this season. Unfortunately for the fans that came to see Jokić, they’re out of luck.
Fans on social media sounded off about the ejection.
One fan said, “Here’s the thing I know that in Denver when the league’s best players come to town, ticket prices shoot up, so Detroit fans likely paid a premium for this game because Jokić was in town and this is what happened.”
Here's the thing I know that in Denver when the league's best players come to town, ticket prices shoot up, so Detroit fans likely paid a premium for this game because Jokic was in town and this is what happened. https://t.co/iVgxzohAIu
— Jordan Scott (@jordandan53) November 21, 2023
Another was very critical of the NBA, saying, “Been saying it for years. The NBA needs to overhaul their officials. They are absolutely the worst in pro sports. And make the game about them way too often.”
Been saying it for years. The NBA needs to overhaul their officials. They are absolutely the worst in pro sports. And make the game about them way too often. https://t.co/oWBKl5d13w
— Jason Schawe (@Jason_Schawe) November 21, 2023
One fan feels that it’s targeted, saying, “I mean I can’t lie it genuinely seems like the NBA referees have a vendetta against Nikola Jokić.”
I mean I can’t lie it genuinely seems like the NBA referees have a vendetta against Nikola Jokic
— Jack 🏹📋 (@murray_center27) November 21, 2023
Another user made an interesting point, saying, “Great job by the NBA to never call a foul on Jokić and then eject him with techs for getting ——- about it.”
Great job by the NBA to never call a foul on Jokić and then eject him with techs for getting pissed about it.
— Steven Reinert (@StevenReinert2) November 21, 2023
