Strahinja Jokić, brother of Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić, appeared to punch a fan during an altercation in the stands at Ball Arena shortly after Game 2 of the Nuggets’ first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday evening.
The NBA has confirmed Athleticism that he is investigating an alleged altercation between Strahinja and the fan. The Nuggets did not respond to a request for comment, but are actively investigating the altercation.
In the video circulating on social networks, Strahinja and his brother Nemanja approach two men, lined up below them, in the stands. Strahinja appears to throw a right-handed punch that hits the fan’s chin. After being hit, words were exchanged between both parties before the fan headed towards the exit.
The NBA is well aware of the Jokić brothers’ history of physical altercations and conflicts, both in NBA spaces and elsewhere, and the question now is whether they will be forced to take action.
Strahinja Jokić was arrested for allegedly choking and pushing a woman during a domestic dispute on September 26, 2019, when he was charged with second-degree assault and two misdemeanors by the Denver District Attorney’s Office . According to the Denver Posthe pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of obstructing telephone service and criminal trespass in February 2020. The other charges were reportedly dismissed.
The Jokić brothers are no strangers to punches, as they fought with the Morris twins, NBA players Marcus and Markieff Morris, in November 2021. After Nikola Jokić pushed Markieff (then with the Miami Heat ), which resulted in a one-match suspension. , his brothers sent out a stern warning on social media in response to Markieff and Marcus’ tweets about the situation.
“You should leave things as they are instead of publicly threatening our brother!” » read the tweet from the @JokicBrothers account. “Your brother did something bad first. If you want to go further, be sure that we will be waiting for you!! Jokic brothers »
Three months later, video of Strahinja yelling at Phoenix Suns players during an in-game dispute with the Nuggets went viral.
On Monday, Denver won 101-99 on a game-winner by Jamal Murray against Anthony Davis as time expired. Nikola finished with 27 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists. The Nuggets lead the series 2-0.
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(Photo: Aaron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post/Getty Images)