The NBA is investigating Strahinja Jokić, the brother of Denver Nuggets player Nikola Jokić, for allegedly punching a fan during the Nuggets’ win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, according to The Athletic.
The altercation occurred following Jamal Murray’s buzzer-beating shot that propelled the Nuggets to a 101-99 victory over the Lakers in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on Monday night at Ball Arena. Strahinja and Nemanja Jokić, the third Jokić brother, approached and confronted two individuals in the stands in Denver. It’s unclear what sparked the incident or what was said, but Strahinja appeared to throw a punch at the fan’s head.
The single punch appeared to be the end of it, and both sides then departed.
According to TMZ, Denver police are also looking into the incident, although no report has been filed.
The event is not the first involving Jokić’s brothers. Strahinja and Nemanja turned to social media in 2021 after Jokić was suspended for shoving Miami Heat guard Markieff Morris and threatening him many times. The couple is also routinely seen sitting courtside at Nuggets games, and they aren’t hesitant to get involved whenever something interesting happens. For example, they yelled at Phoenix Suns players after a fight broke out during a game in 2021.
Strahinja was detained in 2019 after reportedly choking and assaulting a lady following a domestic quarrel. According to The Athletic, he pleaded guilty to a lesser misdemeanor count and felony trespassing a year later, and the remaining counts were dismissed.
It’s unclear how the NBA will handle the altercation on Monday night, or whether it will impose any punishment. In principle, the league could prohibit the brothers from attending games for a specified period of time.
Jokić achieved a triple-double with 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists in Monday’s win. It was his fourth career playoff game with at least 25 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists, a feat only three other players in league history have achieved.
Game 3 of the series is scheduled for Thursday night in Los Angeles.