Nikola Jokic was ejected after a late altercation as the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Denver Nuggets 112-96 to take control of their NBA play-off series.
The incident occurred with just 1.3 seconds remaining in game four, when Jaden McDaniels scored a late lay-up despite the game already being decided, sparking frustration among Nuggets players.
Late Incident Sparks Tensions
Jokic reacted immediately, running from mid-court to confront McDaniels and shoving him, which led to a brief scuffle involving players from both benches.
The altercation resulted in Jokic and Julius Randle both being ejected, although McDaniels avoided punishment.
Timberwolves Take Commanding Lead
The victory handed Minnesota a 3-1 advantage in the best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series, leaving them just one win away from progressing.
Despite the controversy, the Timberwolves delivered a dominant performance, with Ayo Dosunmu leading the way with a career-high 43 points.
Jokic’s Effort Not Enough
Jokic still produced an impressive all-round display, finishing with 24 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists, but Denver struggled to match Minnesota’s intensity.
Tensions have been building throughout the series, with McDaniels previously criticising the Nuggets’ defence earlier in the matchup.
Coach Criticises Sportsmanship
Nuggets coach David Adelman expressed his frustration over the closing moments, suggesting the late score went against the spirit of the game.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Timberwolves now head into game five with a chance to seal the series, while Denver must respond quickly to keep their season alive.
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