“Because he scored when everybody stopped playing.”
Nikola Jokic says he doesn’t regret his reaction to Jaden McDaniels’ layup at the end of Game 4.
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Nikola Jokic during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in May 2025
When it comes to the unwritten rule of scoring when the game is clearly over, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is willing to police it.
As the Nuggets’ Game 4 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves was wrapping up, Minnesota forward Jaden McDaniels got testy with the struggling Denver team.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 14: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets leaves the court after being defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers 127-125 in overtime of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
The veteran forward took the ball down to the other end of the court for a wide-open layup and laid in a bucket. Jokic flew down over to McDaniels in frustration. Both teams got into a small, but heated, confrontation before the game finished.
“I don’t know what he said to me. I just seen someone that was big as hell,” McDaniels said, regarding Jokic. “The clock still be running, so I’m about to go score.”
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 04: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 04, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Pamela Smith/Getty Images)
McDaniels kept a straight face during his postgame scrum, but his responses were still more on the upbeat side and kept spectators chuckling.
As for Jokic, he seemed more frustrated for obvious reasons.
When asked why he approached McDaniels the way that he did, Jokic confirmed the obvious: “Because he scored and everybody stopped playing,” Jokic said, before getting annoyed at the question. “Come on, guys, you saw it, what happened.”
“Because he scored when everybody stopped playing.”
Nikola Jokic says he doesn’t regret his reaction to Jaden McDaniels’ layup at the end of Game 4.
With the criticism coming his way, along with a potential form of punishment from the NBA, does Jokic have any sort of remorse for it?
“No, I don’t regret it,” Jokic said bluntly. The star center made it known that he stands by the rule–as does his head coach.
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 12: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during a 130-116 Denver Nuggets win over the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome on November 12, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
“I didn’t like what McDaniels did,” Adelman stated.
“The game was over, the game was conceded both ways. You know, in 2026, that stuff just doesn’t happen anymore. That’s something that happens in the ’80s, where teams would continue to score, but that’s who he is. If that’s what they want to do, then that’s what they want to do.”
The Nuggets have plenty of bulletin board material and advantages heading into their Game 5 matchup at home on Monday after a 112-96 loss. Soon, the NBA world will see if the Nuggets can force a Game 6–or if they’ll pack their bags and get bounced in round one.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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