The National Basketball Association has imposed significant financial penalties on two star players following a heated confrontation during Saturday’s playoff game between Denver and Minnesota.
Denver’s Nikola Jokic received a $50,000 fine while Minnesota’s Julius Randle was hit with a $35,000 penalty for their involvement in the late-game incident that marred the Timberwolves’ 112-96 victory.
NBA executive vice president and head of basketball operations James Jones announced the disciplinary action on Sunday, just one day after Minnesota secured a commanding 3-1 advantage in their first-round playoff matchup.
The trouble began when Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels scored an easy basket in the game’s closing moments with the outcome already determined. Jokic sprinted across the court from the far end to push McDaniels, which triggered the confrontation between both squads.
The league determined that Randle warranted punishment because he “escalated the incident by forcefully inserting himself into the scrum” when he shoved Denver’s Bruce Brown. Officials assessed technical fouls to both Jokic and Randle and ejected them before the final buzzer sounded.
Tensions have been running high between these Western Conference opponents throughout their playoff series. Minnesota previously knocked Denver out of postseason contention two seasons ago.
The series continues Monday night in Denver for Game 5.
