Russell Wilson Is Amused at Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic Attempting to “Make Up” for Elbowing Suns Owner Mat Ishbia

Arjun Sukumaran | 10/05/2023
Russell Wilson Is Amused at Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic Attempting to “Make Up” for Elbowing Suns Owner Mat Ishbia

Game 4 of the Denver Nuggets vs the Phoenix Suns series gave fans a lot to talk about. However, the highlight of the show was not the 129-124 loss for the Nuggets. Instead, the most prominent feature of the game was when Nuggets’ center Nikola Jokić elbowed Suns’ owner Mat Ishbia out of the way to get the ball. Now, it seems Ishbia is thinking twice before holding on to a basketball.

Jokić’s actions can quite naturally be seen as a spur-of-the-moment, adrenaline-fueled act. He probably had no ill intentions, and maybe just wanted the ball back. However, he was awarded a technical foul anyway. To make matters worse, he was even fined $25,000 after the game. Perhaps this is why he gave Ishbia a basketball after warming up ahead of Game 5 between the Nuggets and the Suns.

Mat Ishbia refuses to hold on to the peace offering from Nikola Jokić

After prepping for the game in hand, Nikola Jokić walked towards Mat Ishbia with a basketball in hand. Then, he proceeded to toss the ball to Ishbia, who promptly got up to offer a hand and a quick hug. However, the moment Jokić walked off towards the lockers, Ishbia tossed the ball back onto the court. This incident has amused a lot of people, including Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson.

https://twitter.com/laurielei/status/1656102587542667266?s=20

Jokić appeared on ‘Inside the NBA’ after the Nuggets beat the Suns 118-102. Jokić said that his interaction was just a normal part of his pre-game routine, and admitted he was secretly hoping Ishbia would pay the $25k fine. He also said that things have cooled down between him and the Suns’ owner, and the pre-game exchange helped in that aspect.

Jokić and the Nuggets have the upper hand against the Suns after Game 5

The Denver Nuggets go into Game 6 of the playoff series with a 3-2 advantage, thanks to the fact that they are 6-0 on the home court during playoffs. However, the next game is in the Suns’ territory, which could pan out in their favor. With stalwart players such as Nikola Jokić in the team, the Nuggets will be hoping to settle this series this time around.

Jokić is already in a spot to win his third consecutive MVP award. Though, he says he is not at all interested in the MVP announcement, It seems he’d rather focus on the playoffs, which is commendable, and expected from a player of his caliber. In fact, the Nuggets have been on a roll with him on the team. The question is, can they keep him in Denver forever?

Post Edited By: Arjun Sukumaran
Denver Nuggets Mat Ishbia Nikola Jokic Phoenix Suns

About the author

Arjun Sukumaran

Arjun Sukumaran is a writing consultant for NFL here at the SportsRush. A Mechanical Engineering graduate, his debating stints from his college days have become part and parcel of his life. He loves cheeseburgers, so naturally, he loves the Kansas City Chiefs. And you can definitely count him in the group of people claiming Patrick Mahomes to be the next big thing. When he is not wearing the Kansas Red and Gold, he can be spotted proudly sporting the Red and White of Manchester United, or the iconic Red Bull Blue.

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