Denver’s Nikola Jokic is assessed a technical foul after being wrestled by Suns owner Mat Ishbia

PHOENIX (AP) -Denver Nuggets All Star Nikola Jokic was assessed a technical foul in the second quarter of Game 4 on Sunday after an altercation with Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia.

Late in the second quarter, Suns guard Josh Okogie crashed into the seats trying to save a loose ball. He landed in a group of fans on the baseline, which included Ishbia, who caught the basketball.

Jokic was trying to get the basketball quickly – apparently so the Nuggets could start their offense – when he tried to take the ball away from Ishbia. The ball bounced back into the crowd, and then Ishbia was knocked backwards by Jokics’ elbow.

On Monday morning, Ishbia said on Twitter that he does not want to see Jokic suspended or fined by the NBA.

Great win for the Suns last night in an amazing series so far!
It should be and is the only story. Suspending or fining anyone for last night’s incident would not be right. I have a lot of respect for Jokic and I don’t want to see anything like that. Looking forward to game 5! Go Suns!

– Mat Ishbia (@Mishbia15) May 8, 2023

Jokic did not apologize after the game, which the Suns won 129-124.

A fan put my hand first, Jokic said. I thought the league was supposed to protect us. Maybe I’m wrong. I know who he is, but he’s a fan. doesn’t he?

Said Nuggets coach Michael Malone: ​​(Jokic) gets the ball and some fan holds onto the ball like he wants to be part of the game. Just pass the ball.

There were a few minutes of confusion as the officials cleared up the strange scene, and then Jokic was assessed a technical foul. The Suns made the next free throw.

Suns star Devin Booker – who had 36 points and 12 assists – said he knew Ishbia was in the middle of the game.

He got us a point! Booker said with a smile.

Ishbia told The Associated Press at halftime that he was fine and was more concerned about the game than the controversy. He returned to his usual positions in the second half. Tiff didn’t seem to bother Jokic either – the MVP runner-up finished with 53 points on 20-of-30 shooting.

Ishbia has only been the owner of the Suns for a few months, buying the team from the embattled Robert Sarver.

Game 5 is Tuesday in Denver. The series is tied at two games.