Nikola Jokić Doesn't "Regret" End-of-Game Fight After Nuggets Go 1-3 to Minnesota

Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić has certainly earned a reputation as one of the best players in today's league, and rightfully so. His stats speak for themselves. However, the Denver Nuggets star at times can be so passionate about basketball and competition that it borders on fiery. He's been tossed out of his fair share of games, and he added another to the list on April 25, during Game 4 of the First Round Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In the final seconds of the fourth quarter, with the game pretty much over, given the score was 110 to 96, advantage Minnesota, Jaden McDaniels of the Timberwolves gets the ball. Instead of dribbling out the little remaining time off the clock, McDaniels opted to break the "unspoken rule" of scoring a layup. Keep in mind, there were no Nuggets defenders around McDaniels because everyone knew the game was over, and he was expected to dribble the ball, not further punctuate Denver's loss.

Well, seeing the move as the ultimate sign of disrespect, Jokić ran down the court, charging at McDaniels after the shot. That then led to other players and coaches getting involved. Jokić was eventually tossed from the game. Take a look at the moment below.

NIKOLA JOKIC GOES AFTER JADEN MCDANIELS FIGHT BREAKS OUT. OH MY. pic.twitter.com/YnRsvdw3KY

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 26, 2026

Nikola Jokić Says, "I Don't Regret"

While some players in his predicament may at least pretend to be sorry during a press conference after getting ejected from a game, knowing their future status for Game 5 was likely critical to saving their team's playoff chances, Jokić wasn't remorseful at all. When asked in the post-game press conference about why he was upset with McDaniels, Jokić replied, "Because he scored and everybody stopped playing. Come on guys, you saw what happened."

The Nuggets' big man was later asked, "Do you regret confronting McDaniels, or do you feel like you had to do that to stand up for your team?" In response, Jokić quickly answered, "No, no, I don't regret."

From my vantage point, while I understand Jokić's frustration with McDaniel's "unsportsmanlike" behavior, Jokić charging after him was not a wise decision. He very well could be suspended for a critical Game 5, and that does more harm than good to his team. We will all just have to be on the lookout for the league's decision when it comes to further punishment.

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This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the News 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 8:09 AM.