When Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić tore the basketball away from Phoenix Suns’ governor Mat Ishbia in Game 4 of the playoff series, it ended up causing all kinds of controversy and concerns about what would happen next.
Turns out, both men are moving forward in Game 5.
Before Tuesday night’s pivotal game in the series, which is currently tied 2-2, Jokić was spotted approaching Ishbia, who was sitting courtside. The Nuggets star handed him a basketball and then Ishbia stood up and the two hugged, seemingly putting to bed any lingering bad blood over the interaction.
VIDEO: Nikola Jokic greets #Suns Owner Mat Ishbia with a hug courtside before Game 5.
Ishbia said he didn't think Jokic should be suspended for his push in Game 4. @NickKingSports will be live all night on @azfamily from Denver. pic.twitter.com/hxzzgcA3Kv
— Mark McClune (@MarkMcClune) May 10, 2023
Jokić was fined $25,000 for making improper contact with a spectator sitting courtside, though the league didn’t imply that the fact that it was a team governor had a role in the decision. In fact, Ishbia said he hoped that the Nuggets star wouldn’t be suspended over the incident.
The incident in question took place when Ishbia came to be holding the game ball when it bounced into his hands following a play near his seat. Jokić approached and ripped the ball away from him before making contact and pushing the governor back into his seat.
Nikola Jokić just pushed Suns owner Mat Ishbia out of the way to get the ball back. 👀 Nice flop by Ishbia, tho pic.twitter.com/k2SeoCbRTC
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) May 8, 2023
Ultimately, it’s a good thing that both men and both teams can move forward and focus on tonight’s game.
[Mark McClune] Image Credit: Bleacher Report
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.