Denver had run away with it, the game wasn’t in doubt in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, but the starters were still on the court — and things got ugly between Nikola Jokic and Markieff Morris.
After Jokic contested a Bam Adebayo shot at the rim then grabbed the rebound on the miss as Bam fell to the floor, the Nuggets’ big man pushed the ball up in a five-on-four. A frustrated Morris decided to take the Euro foul to stop the break and did it with an elbow to Jokick’s mid-section.
Jokic responded with a shoulder check and hard forearm that decked Morris, sending him to the floor in pain.
Nikola Jokic shoves Markieff Morris after Morris fouled him at halfcourt 😳
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) November 9, 2021
Suspension coming for Joker?pic.twitter.com/wcLSXP99VH
Morris was on the ground for a while and medical personnel brought out a stretcher, but Morris walked off the court under his own power. However, Morris could have a neck injury.
Coach Spo on Morris’ status (neck): “He’s moving around in the locker room right now. We’ll do the necessary tests and do what we need to do make sure he’s ok.”
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) November 9, 2021
Morris got a flagrant foul and ejection for the elbow that started it.
Jokic was assessed flagrant and ejected as well. When the NBA gets a look at the film Jokic will be lucky if he gets off with just a fine, he should get a one-game suspension for this. After the game, Jokic said he felt bad for his actions.
Jimmy Butler was fuming after the incident and called out Jokic, which earned Butler a technical.
"Bring that sh*t! Bring that sh*t! Bring yo ass to the back! Bring yo ass to the back! Let's go!"
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) November 9, 2021
Jimmy Butler was FUMING after Nikola Jokic's dirty foul on Markieff Morris 😤pic.twitter.com/UcqNgYkZOc
Butler and Morris likely will get fines for their participation.
The league office has some film to review Tuesday morning, but the memo with punishments will be coming.
