NBA Facing Punishment Decision After Nikola Jokic, Jaden McDaniels Incident

Kevin Matthew BorbaSun, April 26, 2026 at 4:00 AM UTC

0

With the Denver Nuggets' season already slipping away as they came into Saturday's Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves down 2-1, things may have gone from bad to worse.

The Timberwolves went on to win 112-96, but it was Minnesota's final two points that may have changed the outcome of the series and playoffs in general. With the Timberwolves up 110-96 and there being under five seconds, Jaden McDaniels had a chance to run the clock out. Instead, the sixth-year forward took an open layup to add salt to the Nuggets' wound.

Violating what is the unwritten rule of scoring when both teams have essentially given up on the game, McDaniels found himself on the receiving end of a furious Nikola Jokic. The three-time MVP charged down the court, shoving McDaniels.

The two were separated by a swarm of other players and officials, with Jokic and Minnesota's Julius Randle being ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Considering players left the bench and Jokic triggered somewhat of a brawl, the NBA certainly has a tough decision to make in the coming days.

According to the NBA's rules and guidelines on fighting, it is at the league office's discretion to determine the final punishment.

Advertisement

"A fine not exceeding $50,000 and/or suspension may be imposed upon such person(s) by the Commissioner at his sole discretion," reads subsection E of section VI.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić is treated on the bench during his team's game against the Houston Rockets at Ball Arena on March 11, 2026.Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Jokic isn't the only player at risk of suspension, as those who were deemed to have left the bench will also face suspension and a fine.

"During an altercation, all players not participating in the game must remain in the immediate vicinity of their bench," reads the NBA rulebook. "Violators will be subject to suspension, without pay, for a minimum of one game and fined up to $50,000."

McDaniels has certainly been under the skin of the Nuggets all series, as following Game 2, he called the entire Denver squad "bad defenders."

Minnesota now leads the series 3-1. Game 5 will be played at Ball Arena in Denver, scheduled for Monday 10:30 p.m. ET.

Related: Timberwolves Announce Anthony Edwards News After Leaving Nuggets Game

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Sports”