The wild scene in NBA Game: Sun’s owner, Isiah Thomas, and Jokic clash in Nuggets-Suns Game 4


May 8, 2023 11:03 am

A chaotic incident occurred during Sunday’s Nuggets-Suns Game 4, involving a team owner, a retired Hall of Fame point guard, and the reigning two-time MVP. In the second quarter, Suns guard Josh Okogie fell into the stands while chasing a loose ball, which ended up in the hands of none other than Suns owner Mat Ishbia, who was sitting courtside. 

Jokić decided to forcefully retrieve the ball from Ishbia, yanking it out of his hands, and then giving him a shove in the chest, sending the owner tumbling back into his seat.

Security stepped in, and both Jokić and Okogie returned to the court. Another video angle showed Jokić looking directly at Ishbia before hitting him with the forearm shiver. Ishbia, who is a former basketball player at Michigan State, didn’t appear to offer any resistance. He fell back into his seat with his arms flailing.

Detroit Pistons Hall of Fame point guard Isiah Thomas appeared to be sitting next to Ishbia as his guest and was the fan in the blue shirt who grabbed Jokic’s jersey, while another fan put their hand on Jokić’s left arm.

Officials reviewed the scene, and Jokić was issued an unsportsmanlike technical foul, while security escorted the fan in the black shirt who touched Jokić away from the court. No penalties were given to Ishbia or Thomas.

After the brief interruption, play resumed, with Kevin Durant hitting the ensuing technical free throw. The fracas didn’t seem to affect Jokić, who finished with an incredible game-high 53 points, though the bizarre incident did add to his highlight reel. The Suns won the game 129-124. Stay up-to-date with the latest NBA sports news and try your luck on Nextbet