Things got testy at the conclusion of Game 4 between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets.
With time expiring on the game clock, Jaden McDaniels tacked on one more layup to (unnecessarily) extend what was already a double-digit lead. Jokic charged at him for his last-second shot, which resulted in a scuffle between the rival clubs.
While recapping the game, longtime analyst Charles Barkley didn’t hold back on McDaniels. The Phoenix Suns legend said that he would “put a hit” on the Wolves star for his actions.
“You don’t do that,” Barkley said of the late bucket. “If a team is up on one of my teams by 20 points and a guy shoots a three, Imma put a hit out on him. I’m gonna pay somebody $500 dollars to knock him the h*** out.”
Barkley noted that he has been enforcing the unwritten rule against scoring unnecessarily since his playing days.
“I’ve done that before. I’m proud of it. If you shoot that ball, we’re gonna get you.”
McDaniels Sparks Team Scuffle With Late Basket
One thing has been abundantly clear during the Nuggets and Timberwolves series: Jaden McDaniels isn’t here to make friends.
Last week, McDaniels sounded off on the Nuggets and stated that “they are all bad defenders.”
In the following game, McDaniels recorded 20 points and a poster dunk in the Game 3 win.
On Saturday, en route to a commanding 3-1 series lead, McDaniels poured gasoline on the fiery rivalry again by scoring a bucket instead of dribbling the clock out.
Following the late-game basket, Jokic charged at McDaniels, which sparked a benches-clearing brawl between the two teams.
Jokic Could be Fined For Playoff Scuffle
Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic was ejected from Game 4, along with Wolves forward Julius Randle, and could face further league punishment.
The NBA’s rules allow the commissioner to impose a fine of up to $50,000 and/or a suspension for fighting fouls or other reviewed conduct. The same rulebook also notes that fines or suspensions can be imposed at the commissioner’s discretion even if a player is not ejected.
However, it seems unlikely that Jokic is suspended, since no punches were thrown in the exchange.
The crucial question is whether officials deem Jokic’s sprint toward McDaniels as an on-the-spot playoff exchange or as a confrontation that calls for league discipline.
Wolves Suffer Key Losses in Game 4 Win
Despite putting the Nuggets on the brink of elimination, the Timberwolves suffered two massive blows on Saturday night.
Guards Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo exited the game early. DiVincenzo was later ruled out for the season with a torn ACL.
Though his diagnosis was not as extreme, Edwards is also expected to miss several weeks with a knee injury.
“Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has sustained a bone bruise and hyperextension in his left knee and is expected to miss multiple weeks, sources tell ESPN,” Shams Charania stated in his post on X. “Results showed Edwards avoided any ligament damage, but he will now miss time.”
Facing playoff elimination, the Nuggets will host Game 5 tomorrow night at Ball Arena.
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