NBA Reportedly Investigating Nuggets-Wolves Altercation After Nikola Jokic, Jaden McDaniels Video
The altercation at the end of Saturday night's Game 4 between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets could have some ramifications on Monday's Game 5.
Per ESPN's Shams Charania, the NBA is conducting an investigation into the incident, which was sparked by Nuggets center Nikola Jokic confronting Timberwolves wing Jaden McDaniels over his late layup. Charania noted that rulings are expected before Monday's matchup in Denver.
McDaniels scored with 1.3 seconds left in regulation to cap off a 112-96 victory for the Timberwolves, which gave them a 3-1 series lead. Jokic took exception to the late bucket and confronted McDaniels in front of Minnesota's bench, inciting a skirmish between the two teams. Jokic and Timberwolves forward Julius Randle were ejected.
"I don't regret it because he scored after everybody stopped playing," Jokic said after the game, per ESPN's Anthony Slater.
In addition to Jokic facing potential discipline, Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, who was on the bench during the incident, made his way down the sideline toward the altercation. The league previously banned players from leaving the bench area during on-court incidents.
Nuggets head coach David Adelman made it clear that he shared Jokic's displeasure with McDaniels' layup.
"I didn't like what McDaniels did," Adelman said. "The game was over. The game was conceded. In 2026, that stuff just doesn't happen anymore. That's something that happens in the '80s, where teams would continue to score. But that's who he is."
The Nuggets will certainly be hoping to avoid elimination in front of their home fans on Monday, so it will be interesting to see how the NBA handles potential disciplinary action for the altercation.
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