After the intense flare-up that occurred between Nikola Jokic and Markieff Morris during the Miami Heat-Denver Nuggets showdown on Monday night, punishments from the league were a foregone conclusion.
The NBA released its verdict a day after the incident, with the Nuggets star getting slapped with a one-game suspension without pay for shoving Morris. The Heat forward was spared from a suspension, having to deal with just a $50,000 fine for “instigating” the skirmish with his flagrant foul. Jimmy Butler was also fined $30,000 for his role in trying to escalate matters.
Here's the league's official statement:
All things considered, it seems like Nikola Jokic escaped with a relatively light sentence. A suspension seemed imminent with the question just being a matter of how long it would be for. Getting the minimum suspension length is certainly a win for the Serbian star and the Nuggets as they will only lose him for their Wednesday night bout against the Indiana Pacers.
Thankfully, matters didn't escalate any further than they did. So far, we've simply gotten some online chest-puffing from the Jokic brothers and the other Morris twin, while also getting a Keef shade tweet directed at the Joker.
Best believe eyeballs will be locked in for the Heat-Nuggets rematch slated for November 29.