The game between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers created a frenzy with the Nuggets’ 101-99 victory over the Lakers on Monday night at Ball Arena. While Nikola Jokic showcased his talent on the court, his brother, Strahinja, engaged in a controversial act by punching a fan in the stands of the Denver team.
The incident occurred just after Denver took a 2-0 lead in the series. Jokic recorded yet another triple-double this postseason with 20 rebounds, 10 assists, and 27 points. Much like in Game 1, it seemed LeBron James and Anthony Davis would secure a win for the Lakers with another stellar performance, but they ran out of steam in the fourth quarter.
Although the exact cause of the altercation is unclear, many witnesses suggest that the fan made derogatory remarks about Nikola Jokic. Three women attempted to calm the two brothers, particularly Strahinja, as he was the one who threw the punch. One of the women is reportedly Nikola’s wife, Natalija, who was holding their one-year-old daughter, Ognjena.
While defending his brother, Strahinja and Nemanja may face severe consequences, including the possibility of being banned from future games. This is not the first time they have drawn attention for violent behavior; they have a long history of altercations.
The Jokic brothers grew up in a violent environment in Serbia, which may explain their strong reactions when defending Nikola. Nemanja is even an MMA fighter with a 3-0 record, indicating they are unafraid to confront anyone. Back in 2021, Nikola Jokic seriously injured Miami Heat forward Markieff Morris after Morris hit him in the back. Jokic faced criticism for his actions, and some Miami Heat players even threatened to retaliate against him.
This incident has sparked considerable controversy and will be a test for the NBA in handling fan-related misconduct. Fans and media alike are eagerly awaiting to see whether the Jokic brothers will face serious repercussions.
