Tim McMahonESPN staff writer1 minute to read
DENVER — Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was involved in another rowdy side encounter Tuesday night, but this time he was getting a nudge from Suns star Kevin Durant.
Durant was called for a technical foul after pushing Jokic out of the way when the MVP twice attempted to sneak into an impromptu gathering of Phoenix players and coaches during Denver’s 118-102 win in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinal series.
The incident occurred when Nuggets backup Bruce Brown and Jokic approached the Suns huddle while Devin Booker was shooting free throws with 37.6 seconds left in the third quarter and Denver had a 20-point lead.
After shoving Brown out of the way, Durant slammed Jokic with his left arm. Jokic, who was called for a technical foul in Game 4 after a bizarre side tackle with new Suns owner Mat Ishbia, clubbed his arms after contact. He didn’t react when Phoenix backup center Jock Landale pushed him lightly seconds earlier.
After officials reviewed the play, Brown was also assessed for a technical foul.
With the win, the Nuggets took a 3-2 lead. Game six is Thursday in Phoenix.
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