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Nikola Jokic Gets Tech For Shoving Suns Owner Mat Ishbia

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Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was assessed a technical foul on Sunday night for making content with Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia. The bizarre incident occurred as Josh Okogie crashed into the courtside seats where Ishbia was sitting. Ishbia ended up with the basketball in his hands. When Jokic tried to rush over and grab it, the ball went flying into the stands and he shoved Ishbia while trying to get it. Ishbia told The Associated Press that he was “fine” at halftime.

Nuggets coach Michael Malone said it was “crazy” that refs gave Jokic a technical foul in that situation. “Going to get the ball, and some fan is holding onto the ball who wants be a part of the game. Just give the ball up, man,” Malone said. As for whether he cares that the fan was Ishbia, Malone remarked, “I don’t give a shit.” It’s unclear whether the league will suspend Jokic for the incident.

Nikola Jokic Shoves Mat Ishbia

PHOENIX, AZ – MAY 7: Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets rushes to retrieve the game ball as Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia inserts himself into the action by clutching the ball as he helps Josh Okogie (2) to his feet after Okogie flew into the stands during the second quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Jokic also commented on the incident after the game. “He told me I was elbowing the fan, but the fan put his hands on me first. I thought the league is supposed to protect us. But maybe I’m wrong,” he told reporters.

Ishbia purchased a controlling 57% stake in the Suns from Robert Sarver for $2.28 billion a few months ago. Many fans on Twitter argued that Ishbia flopped when Jokic touched him courtside. “Ishbia knew exactly what he was doing by holding up the fastbreak by holding the ball and mixing it up,” one tweeted. “The NBA shouldn’t encourage that garbage. Back in the day they told Cuban to knock it off.”

Jokic finished the game with a game-high 53 points but it wasn’t enough to get his team the win. The Suns took Game 4 by a score of 129-124. The series is now tied 2-2 and the teams will face off in Game 5 on Tuesday in Denver.

Nikola Jokic’s Incident With Mat Ishbia

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Devin Booker’s Playoff Heroics Hit Historic Levels

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The Phoenix Suns live and die on the performances of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. The star duo has been the driving force of the Western Conference contenders ever since Durant was acquired in a mid-season trade. In the first round of the playoffs, Booker and Durant became the first duo since Jerry West and Elgin Baylor in 1968 to score at least 25 points per game in every game of a best-of-seven series.

However, Booker especially has been absolutely fire during these playoffs. Through eight playoff games, Booker is shooting 60.2% from the field (115-191). He has amassed 295 points, 40 rebounds, 55 assists, and 17 steals. Furthermore, is shooting 48.9% from three (23-47). He also averaging 42.8 minutes per night, as the Suns get everything from their star. But now his historic playoffs are starting to put him in very elite company.

Here Are Some Of The Milestones Devin Booker Is Hitting

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MAY 05: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns walks down the tunnel following Game Three of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Footprint Center on May 05, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Nuggets 121-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

We’ve already talked about what he’s been able to achieve alongside Kevin Durant but Booker has also been hitting historic individual milestones as well.

  • His 36.9 points per game makes him the first player since 1992 Michael Jordan average 35 points per game over the first eight games of the playoffs
  • After scoring 47 points in Game 3 versus the Nuggets, Booker recorded his 4th 45-point playoff game. The Suns franchise excluding Booker has four 45-point playoff games combined
  • Booker has scored 295 points during the postseason. That’s the most points by an individual in the first eight games of the playoffs since 1990 Michael Jordan

The Suns currently trail the Nuggets 2-1 in the second round of the playoffs. Just 33 teams have ever won a playoff series after starting with a 0-2 deficit. However, it has already happened once this postseason. The Warriors came back from 0-2 down against the Kings to win 4-3 in the first round. Furthermore, the Suns have achieved it once before. The 1993 Suns rallied from 0-2 down to beat the Lakers in the first round. If Phoenix wants to advance and challenge for a place in the NBA Finals, Booker may need to go even further into the history books with his play. The Suns will host the Nuggets for Game 4 of their series on Sunday night.

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