Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic faced some backlash for elbowing Phoenix Suns’ owner Mat Ishbia.
Jokic argued that Ishbia provoked him by holding onto the ball.
Whatever the case, there was a question looming about whether he should or could be suspended for Game 5 of the series.
With that in mind, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst claimed that it is highly unlikely that he’s suspended, adding that he would be ‘stunned’ if that happened.
.@WindhorstESPN thinks it's "unlikely" Nikola Jokić will be suspended after the altercation in Game 4: pic.twitter.com/YvaugKbRli
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 8, 2023
Windhorst explained that the rules state that it would be up to Commissioner Adam Silver to decide whether either party should be suspended, so it’s highly unlikely that he’ll make such an unpopular decision.
He added that he was shocked to see them suspend Draymond Green during the series vs. the Sacramento Kings, although the league did state that the suspension was due to his involvement in multiple altercations throughout his career, not that one per se.
Windhorst believes both parties could face a hefty fine, but not more than that, and the ruling should come out at some point on Monday.
Truth be told, every point counts, and that technical foul could’ve been the breaking point in such a close game.
Jokic — or any other player — should never put their hands on a fan, but Ishbia has no right to do what he did either, it doesn’t matter if he — literally — owns the team.
NEXT: Nikola Jokic Comments On Incident With Suns Owner
