Jokic gave the Nuggets’ Tuesday night game against the Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, about as much emotion as he has ever showed on an NBA floor.
With just over five minutes remaining in the game, the Nuggets were behind 96-90 and in the midst of a comeback in the fourth quarter.
Jokic received a bounce pass from Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, but it went out of bounds near the baseline. When the officials first ruled that Jokic was out, the Serbian center became enraged and insisted that Nuggets coach Michael Malone contest the call.
Once it was established that the ball was off Suns wing Royce O’Neale, the Nuggets emerged victorious in the challenge. Given how excited he became when he made the challenge request, it’s difficult to believe Jokic expected any other outcome.
After trailing by 22 points at the half, the Nuggets managed to complete the comeback and force overtime. But with eight baskets in the overtime quarter, Kevin Durant took over and the Suns won 117-107.
Jokic finished with 16 rebounds, 5 assists, and 25 points on 8/18 shooting from the field. However, he also committed a game-high seven turnovers, which made up half of his team’s total points.
This season is not the first that the normally composed Jokic has allowed his feelings to get the better of him. Earlier this year, the Nuggets star scored a game-winning shot against the Golden State Warriors, and the celebration was unforgettable.
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