Did Jokic cross the line? Unbelievable drama unfolds as Nikola Jokic clashes with Suns owner on the court.

Phoenix, AZ—In a strange courtside incident during Game 4 on Sunday night, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was assessed a technical foul for making contact with Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia. The incident occurred as Jokic was attempting to grab the basketball from Ishbia's hands to start the next play.

With 2:36 remaining in the second quarter of Phoenix's 129-124 victory over Denver, Suns forward Josh Okogie went flying towards the courtside seats where Ishbia sits. Ishbia went to check on Okogie while holding the basketball, and Jokic rushed over to grab the ball quickly for the Nuggets' offensive possession. However, in the process, the ball flew backward into the crowd and Jokic's left forearm made contact with Ishbia's chest.

Ishbia, a former Michigan State walk-on basketball player, fell backward into his seat with a surprised expression. Jokic was given a technical foul for what the officials deemed a deliberate shove.

Jokic shoves Suns owner Mat Ishbia 😳 pic.twitter.com/5UBBAkM2Ba

— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) May 8, 2023

The NBA is expected to review the incident but has not yet announced if Jokic will face a suspension or fine for his actions.

After the game, crew chief Tony Brothers explained that Jokic deliberately shoved Ishbia after taking the ball away from a fan. Brothers determined that a technical foul was the appropriate penalty but decided not to eject Jokic from the game.

Jokic defended himself, stating that he was simply trying to retrieve the ball quickly to start the next play and was attempting to get Ishbia off him. He expressed surprise that he was penalized for elbowing the fan when it was the fan who initially made contact with him.

When asked about a potential suspension or fine, Jokic questioned why he would face such consequences when the fan had placed his hands on him. He expressed his belief that the league should protect players rather than fans.

Jokic acknowledged that he knew the fan he tried to take the ball away from was a Suns supporter but emphasized that he was just a fan who should not have been able to influence the game by holding the ball.

"He told me I was elbowing the fan, but the fan put their hand on me first. I thought the league is supposed to protect us... He's influencing the game. I think he's supposed to get kicked out."

Nikola Jokic on the incident with Suns owner Mat Ishbiapic.twitter.com/O2esgnfYx2

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) May 8, 2023

Denver coach Michael Malone came to Jokic's defense, stating that it was unfair for Jokic to receive a technical foul in that situation. He criticized the fan for holding onto the ball as if wanting to be part of the game.

Ishbia, the Suns' owner, said he was "fine" and more concerned about the game than the altercation. He returned to his usual seats in the second half.

REPORTER: "The fan was the owner of the Suns."
COACH MALONE: "I don't give a sh*t."

JOKIC: "The fan put their hand on me first. I thought the league is supposed to protect us."

Malone & Jokic talking about Jokic's incident with Suns owner Mat Ishbia pic.twitter.com/wnl1ND9dNk

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) May 8, 2023

Jokic's memorable night, where he scored a career-high 53 points and dished out 11 assists, ended in a losing effort. Despite his outstanding performance, the Nuggets fell short in a 129-124 loss to the Suns. Jokic's remarkable back-to-back games, averaging 41.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 14.0 assists, and shooting 63%, made NBA postseason history.

As the series shifts to Denver for Game 5, Jokic hopes to help the Nuggets secure a crucial victory on their home court.