Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic was subjected to criticism after he got into an altercation with Mat Ishbia, the new owner of the Phoenix suns. The incident stirred a controversy after which a massive debate broke out on the internet. A scathing response by a particular individual during the post-game media conference only fueled the NBA Twitter further in the aftermath of the on-court dispute.
In a close game between the Suns and the Nuggets during the Western Conference Semifinals, star player Nikola Jokic seemingly pushed a V.I.P. ‘fan’ on the courtside, a couple of minutes before the end of the second quarter.?
Nuggets Coach Makes a bold statement about the Suns’ fan
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At the end of the second quarter, Nikola Jokic blocked a shot on the Suns’ Deandre Ayton leading to a loose ball.? To get that loose ball, Suns forward Josh Okogie dived but was not able to hold it inbounds, and landed on some courtside fans.
One of the fans, who was also the Phoenix Suns owner, Mat Ishbia, caught the ball while helping Okogie out. When Nikola tried to get the ball from the billionaire ‘fan’, it fell out of the 2x MVP’s hands which seemingly resulted in a little shove from Jokic. The Suns eventually defeated the Nuggets in a thriller, leveling the series at home. At the post-game conference, a reporter asked Coach Michael Malone’s thoughts on the situation.
Malone stated that Jokic getting a technical foul was ‘crazy’. He added, “He was going to get the ball from a fan who was just holding up to the ball like he wants to be a part of the game. Just give the ball up man!”. When the reporter told Malone that the fan was the Suns’ owner. Malone had a cold answer, “I don’t give a sh*t”.
MaloneIshbi pic.twitter.com/vZmCpw6t4K
— James Burnes (@JamesBurnes8) May 8, 2023
READ MORE: Nikola Jokic Makes History Prompting NBA Twitter to Throw Shade at 6x All-Star: ?Embiid Could Never?
NBA fans react to Malone’s statement
NBA fans showed mixed feelings about the Coach’s comments on the Suns’ owner. Some have appreciated him for his support to his players while others criticized him for his comment. Let’s look at some of the comments.
Amazing, a coach who has his players' back! Is this a thing???
— Clarence Beeks, Jr. (@ClarenceBeeksJr) May 8, 2023
The owner is in the wrong. Holding onto the ball is delaying the game . Touching players shouldn’t be allowed from anyone not playing the game . Especially that one fan 3 rows behind that actually did get ejected for reaching over just to shove Jokic .. + he flopped
— . (@Adactyl) May 8, 2023
Coach got Jokers back 👏🏼✊🏼🙌🏼
— J $tack (@JSTACKCORLEONE) May 8, 2023
Well said Coach
— Louis (@jvs929) May 8, 2023
He’s right
— Sheetal Jaitly (@SheetalJaitly) May 8, 2023
Mike Malone!! Giving no Fs!!! Love it!
— Daniel Fausto (@danielxfausto) May 8, 2023
Some believe that Jokic should be suspended while others felt that the Suns’ owner overreacted and flopped. However, the officials settled up the matter with a technical foul on Jokic.
He won’t give up the ball let the officials handle it, don’t take it into your own hands and shove the guy. Should be an automatic suspension.
— cody (@codySuns) May 8, 2023
No but see it doesn’t matter or shouldn’t matter who the fan is. Taking the ball away is one thing. Putting your hands on the “fan” especially when ball is already out their hands is another. You’re initiating contact at that point
— DurantStan (@FansOfKD) May 8, 2023
Jokic shouldn't have pushed him but he shouldn't have held on to the ball like that. Jokic wanted to get out on a fast break but the sun's owner wasn't trying to let them do it
— isaac (@hezifade) May 8, 2023
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The ball was no longer in play Joker didn't need to get the ball. He literally started this. He didn't even ask for it he snatched it.
— Joey (@JoeyFL2) May 8, 2023
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Malone has supported his players and will continue to have their back. The one thing that was the takeaway from the game is that the series will be going to be a fierce battle. What do you think of the incident? Who do you think will rise as the winner of the series?
WATCH THIS STORY: ?Might Be Their Time?: Following Playoffs Triumph, Wholesome Interaction Between Nuggets Star Nikola Jokic and Daughter Melts Hearts Online
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