Nikola Jokic’s talent on the court has been a sight to behold for all basketball enthusiasts. From his exceptional passing skills to his impressive defensive attributes, the Joker has undeniably become one of the best players of this generation. However, during the Denver Nuggets’ recent spectacular victory over the Chicago Bulls, the Serbian star’s night ended prematurely.
With the Nuggets fiercely competing against the Bulls, emotions ran high, and Nikola Jokic found himself entangled in a controversial moment that led to his ejection from the match.
Why was Nikola Jokic ejected?
During a thrilling game between the Denver Nuggets and the Chicago Bulls, Nikola Jokic, the NBA’s reigning MVP, found himself ejected from the court.
The incident occurred with just 1:08 remaining in the second quarter, as Jokic argued a no-call with official Mousa Dagher saying, “Call the foul, motherf***er”. Frustrated after missing a shot at the rim, Jokic voiced his displeasure, shouting profanity towards Dagher. The outburst resulted in a technical foul and an immediate ejection from the game.
Nikola Jokic’s ejection caused a stir in the arena, with boos echoing from the Chicago crowd. It was an unfortunate turn of events, given that the Bulls were hosting Serbian Heritage Night, making it a significant occasion for Jokic, who hails from Serbia. However, he later expressed his relief that the game wasn’t played in a more intense atmosphere back in his home country.
“No, I crossed the line, but sometimes that word does not cross the line. I like my money, so I am not gonna say… whatever,” Jokic added later.
The officials explained that Nikola Jokic’s use of profane language crossed a line and warranted the ejection. Jokic himself acknowledged his mistake, admitting that he had gone too far with his choice of words but also stated that sometimes his language may not warrant a technical foul. Despite his regret, Jokic maintained that he valued his money and would be more careful in the future.
The Nuggets’ head coach, Michael Malone, came to Jokic’s defense, sharing that where he grew up, such language was considered a term of endearment. “The official felt the language that was used warranted an ejection,” the coach light-heartedly added. However, it was evident that the officials held a different perspective on the matter.
Ultimately, Jokic’s ejection did little to hamper the Nuggets’ performance, as they went on to secure a 114-106 victory over the Bulls.
Nikola Jovic’s performance vs Bulls
Nikola Jokic, the star center for the Denver Nuggets, had a rollercoaster performance against the Bulls in their recent matchup.
With only 16 minutes of playtime, he managed to contribute 4 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists before getting ejected from the 114-106 victory over the Bulls. This marked the second time Jokic has been ejected this season, adding to his past suspensions and injury-related absences.
Surprisingly, the Nuggets didn’t struggle without their MVP candidate. In fact, they continued their winning streak, securing three victories in Jokic’s absence, resulting in an unblemished record of 3-0. Coach Malone, with a hint of humor, jokingly remarked, “I’m starting to think he’s overrated.”
While Jokic’s ejection may leave some fans concerned, his team’s resilience and ability to triumph without their star player can’t be overlooked. It showcases the depth and talent present throughout the Nuggets roster. Moreover, it highlights the collective effort and adaptability that makes Denver a formidable force in the league.
These games provided an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their skills, proving that the Nuggets are more than just a one-man show as the winning streak has ignited hope among fans that the team can continue their success even when Jokic returns to the court.