Nikola Jokic when asked about this late-game jump ball situation tonight:
“Next question.”
Getty
INGLEWOOD, 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)
During the final seconds of the Game 4 matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves, Nikola Jokic got fired up about Jaden McDaniels’ decision to score a basket when the game was decided.
Jokic stormed after McDaniels, which prompted a late-game scuffle. The NBA announced it would fine Nikola Jokic $50,000. Julius Randle also got involved and hit with a fine of his own.
After the Nuggets’ Game 4 loss, Jokic made it clear that he didn’t regret his decision to go at McDaniels. Based on the way Jokic handled the final 30 seconds of Game 5, it was clear he wanted to stir the pot himself this time around.
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 24: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on March 24, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Denver was up 125-113 in the fourth quarter. Jokic was dribbling the ball out before he went to hand it over in the final two seconds of the shot clock.
When the ball was touched by a Timberwolves player, Jokic yanked it back. It was a troll move, which went viral on social media after the game.
Nikola Jokic when asked about this late-game jump ball situation tonight:
“Next question.”
A reporter asked him about it–Jokic wasn’t interested in explaining his thought-process in that moment.
“Next question,” the star center said.
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 18: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets warms up prior to playing the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The Denver Nuggets bounced back on Monday night in Game 5.
Nikola Jokic checked in for 38 minutes. He shot 9-15 from the field and hit on 8-10 shots from the free-throw line. Jokic produced 27 points. He collected a triple-double by adding 12 rebounds and 16 assists.
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 18: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets boxes out Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter during Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.
The Nuggets defeated the Timberwolves 125-113 to keep the series alive. On Thursday, April 30, the Nuggets and the Timberwolves will meet for Game 6. The matchup is set to take place in Minnesota, but a tip-off time is yet to be revealed.
With a win, the Nuggets would bring the series back to Colorado once more. A loss would end the Nuggets’ run prematurely.
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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