The NBA did not suspend Nikola Jokic for his brief altercation with Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia during Game 4 on Sunday night, but it did fine him $25,000 for “making improper contact with a spectator sitting courtside.”
With 2:36 left in the second quarter of Phoenix’s 129-124 victory, the event took place, leveling the series at 2-2.
Ishbia, who agreed to purchase Phoenix from Robert Sarver in February, was the recipient of the basketball when it went out of bounds and into his hands.
Jokic attempted to quickly pass the ball inbounds, but Ishbia wouldn’t give it to him. It ended up in the stands, the ball. Jokic shoved Ishbia with a gentle forearm because he didn’t know who he was. Ishbia collapsed back into his side of the court.
The league stated in a news release that 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.”
Jokic stated: “I was touched by the fan’s hand first. I believed the league was meant to keep us safe. Perhaps I’m mistaken. I am aware of him, but he is a supporter. Is he not?
Ishbia stated on Monday that he did not want Jokic, who scored 53 points in Game 4 and is averaging 36.5 points, 14 rebounds, 9.5 assists, while shooting 42.9% on 3-pointers and 57% from the field versus Phoenix, to be suspended by the league.
At Sunday’s intermission, Ishbia told The Associated Press that he was “fine” and that the game was more important to him than the brawl. Halfway through the second half, he was back in his regular seat.
Ishbia, a Michigan State basketball player in college who became wealthy in the mortgage industry, bought a $4 billion majority ownership in both the Suns and the Phoenix Mercury of the Women’s National Basketball Association.
