Nikola Jokic Avoids Suspension After Game 4 Scuffle
After charging Jaden McDaniels late in Game 4 against the Timberwolves Saturday night, many expected Nikola Jokic to face punishment from the NBA. While Jokic is being punished, the Nuggets can take a deep breath as he will not miss any games. According to Shams Charania, Jokic and Julius Randle are being fined $50,000 and $35,000, respectively, for their roles in the scrum.
NBA discipline for Denver-Minnesota scuffle in Game 4:
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 26, 2026
Nikola Jokic fined $50,000
Julius Randle fined $35,000
In the final seconds of Game 4, Minnesota's Jaden McDaniels went for a layup while up 12 points. Jokic took offense to this, seeing it as running up the score, and charged at McDaniels. Randle quickly came to McDaniel's defense, and the referees ejected both Randle and Jokic for unsportsmanlike conduct. Watch the video of the altercation below:
WOLVES-NUGGETS GET CHIPPY AT THE END OF GAME 4
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 26, 2026
Jokić didn't like McDaniels' last-second layup pic.twitter.com/Do9a85rdlC
While the Nuggets are happy to still have Jokic for Game 5, they are facing an uphill battle. The series returns to Denver on Monday Night, and the Nuggets will look to climb out of a 3-1 series deficit. It's a tall task, but if there's anyone in the league who knows how to do it, it's Jokic, having done it twice during the 2020 playoffs.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published April 26, 2026 at 7:54 PM.