Minnesota Timberwolves star Julius Randle was fined $35,000 by the NBA for his role in the Game 4 altercation with Nikola Jokic, while Jaden McDaniels avoided both a fine and suspension after the late-game incident.
Jokic was fined $50,000, the league announced Sunday, but neither player will be suspended — a critical decision ahead of Game 5 as Minnesota looks to close out its first-round series with a 3-1 lead.
NBA Rules on Display: No Suspension Despite Playoff Altercation
The NBA’s ruling followed a full investigation that included interviews with players and officials, along with a video review of the closing seconds.
The incident erupted with 1.3 seconds remaining, when Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels finished an uncontested transition layup despite Denver players appearing to concede the possession.
“He scored when we’d stopped playing,” Jokic said. “You guys saw what happened.”
Jokic immediately confronted McDaniels near the Timberwolves bench, igniting a brief but intense scrum that drew in multiple players — including Randle, who escalated the situation with shoves. Both Jokic and Randle were ejected.
The NBA’s modern interpretation of its “leaving the bench” rule — which considers proximity and level of involvement rather than imposing automatic suspensions — ultimately allowed both stars to avoid further punishment.
Jaden McDaniels Decision Sparks Flashpoint in Rivalry
McDaniels’ decision to score in the closing seconds became the catalyst for the altercation and added another layer to an already tense playoff rivalry.
“I just seen someone who was big as hell,” McDaniels said when asked about the confrontation.
The Timberwolves forward, who had already stirred the series by calling Denver a team of “bad defenders” after Game 2, defended his choice.
“The clock still be running, so I might as well go score,” McDaniels said.
The moment highlighted the growing friction between the division rivals, who are meeting in the postseason for the third time in four years.
Nuggets coach David Adelman didn’t hide his frustration.
“Obviously, I didn’t like what McDaniels did,” Adelman said. “The game was over. The game was conceded both ways. In 2026, that stuff just doesn’t happen anymore. That’s something that happened in the ’80s, where teams would continue to score. But that’s who he is. And so if that’s what they want to do, that’s what they want to do.”
Julius Randle Responds, Focuses on Game 5
Despite the postgame chaos, Randle struck a measured tone when addressing the incident, choosing not to dwell on the altercation.
“I don’t know. We’re just ready for Game 5, you know, simple as that,” Randle said.
His response reflects Minnesota’s approach heading into a pivotal Game 5 — staying focused on closing out the series rather than engaging in further controversy.
Timberwolves Take Control as Series Shifts to Denver
Minnesota’s 112-96 Game 4 victory gave the Timberwolves firm control of the series, fueled by a dominant second half and a historic performance from guard Ayo Dosunmu, who erupted for 43 points off the bench.
With injuries to their franchise centerpiece, Anthony Edwards, and the team’s glue guy, Donte DiVincenzo, Minnesota leaned on its depth and defensive pressure to overwhelm Denver late.
Now, with no suspensions looming, both teams will enter Game 5 with their core players intact — and tensions still simmering.
The Timberwolves will have their first opportunity to eliminate the Nuggets on Monday night in Denver, while Jokic and company face a must-win scenario to extend the series.
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