Nikola Jokic was ejected from the game after a confrontation with Jaden McDaniels as the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Denver Nuggets 112-96, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in their first-round NBA playoff series.
The altercation occurred with 1.3 seconds remaining and the Timberwolves leading by 14 points. McDaniels scored an uncontested layup, which the Nuggets considered unsportsmanlike. Jokic, frustrated by the play, ran from mid-court and shoved McDaniels, triggering a bench-clearing scuffle.
Three-time MVP Jokic and Timberwolves forward Julius Randle were both ejected. McDaniels, who was not ejected, said he didn't hear what Jokic said and added, "I just seen someone who was big as hell." McDaniels had previously riled Denver by calling their players "bad defenders" after Game 2.
Nuggets coach David Adelman criticized McDaniels' actions: "The game was over. The game was conceded. That's something that happens in the '80s."
Despite Jokic's near triple-double of 24 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists, the Timberwolves, led by Ayo Dosunmu's career-high 43 points, won their third straight game to take a 3-1 series lead.