Nikola Jokic Fined $25K for Push, Avoids Suspension for Crunch Time Game 5 Showdown Against the Phoenix Suns

The Denver Nuggets' star center, Nikola Jokic, received a fine of $25,000 for a slight push of Phoenix Suns' owner Mat Ishbia during Game 4 of their playoff series on Sunday, but will not get suspended for Tuesday's Game 5. "[Great win] for the Suns last night in an amazing series so far! That should be and is the only story," tweeted Ishbia. "Suspending or fining anyone over last nights incident would not be right."

The incident took place when Suns' guard Josh Okogie landed in a group of fans while trying to save a loose ball. Among them was Ishbia, who was holding the ball. In an attempt to get the ball quickly, Jokic grabbed it from Ishbia, who was then knocked backward by Jokic's elbow. "The fan put the hand on me first," Jokic explained. "I thought the league was supposed to protect us."

Despite the incident, Jokic left the court with an impressive 53 points and 11 assists. It looks like Jokic is ready to step on the court for Game 5, as the series currently stands at a 2-2 tie. Fans can expect a heated showdown as two of the league's best Western Conference teams battle it out for the win.