DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 14: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets shoots a free throw against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter of the NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on May 14, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan.(Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Nikola Jokic’s tensions clearly boiled over during Monday’s Nuggets/Warriors playoff game, which saw Golden State prevail 126-106.
It began early in the first quarter when Gary Payton II blocked a shot from Jokic, which led to a Warriors three-pointer and a timeout. On his way to the bench, though, Payton slapped Jokic on the butt, to which exception was taken.
Chaos ensued, but teammates de-escalated the situation before it got out of hand.
“He doesn’t need to do that,” Jokic said after the game. “I just reacted. No need to do that.”
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
Jokic also lost his cool in the third quarter, receiving a technical foul for reacting poorly to a call.
A foul non-call against Draymond Green in the fourth led to him yelling at the referees and receiving his second technical and, in the process, an ejection.
“I mean, it’s pretty much everything,” Jokic said after the game. “It is what it is. I’m not supposed to do that, and I’m not going to do that. I think I got fouled in the moment because I heard the slap. That’s why I just reacted.”
The teams meet again Thursday for Game 3.
The Tennessee Titans drafted Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the first overall pick in the…
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders was finally selected by the Cleveland Browns in Saturday's fifth round…
In defending the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, Mavericks…
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has survived yet another controversy. It doesn't even have to…
Hall of Fame tight end and media personality Shannon Sharpe is being sued over allegations…
Every first-round matchup of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is underway. What are the results so…
