Report: NBA launches investigation after Nikola Jokic’s brother punches fan at Lakers-Nuggets game

Jesse Cinquini
3 Min Read

According to TMZ Sports, the NBA has launched an investigation into an incident that occurred between Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic’s brother Strahinja and a fan during the Nuggets’ Game 2 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at Ball Arena.

A recording depicts Strahinja Jokic delivering a punch to a fan wearing a blue shirt, with the unidentified fan and Strahinja Jokic subsequently exchanging words.

This isn’t the first time that Nikola Jokic’s brothers have drummed up controversy for their behavior while attending NBA playoff games. After Nikola Jokic and Devin Booker had to be separated in Game 4 of a 2021 second-round series between the Nuggets and Phoenix Suns, Nikola Jokic’s brothers were visibly angry.

The brothers have also had beef with the Miami Heat in the past.

Nikola Jokic helped the Nuggets snatch victory from the jaws of defeat on Monday night. The Lakers were in control for much of Game 2, considering Los Angeles led by as many as 20 at one point and held a 15-point lead at halftime.

But the offensive brilliance of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray allowed the Nuggets to rally back and win the game by two points. The star duo combined for 47 points and 15 assists against the Lakers.

Nikola Jokic totaled a triple-double of 27 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists and two steals on 9-of-16 shooting from the field and 2-of-4 shooting from deep.

His Game 2 performance against Los Angeles marked the fourth playoff game of his career with at least 20 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists, which is tied with former Lakers big man Wilt Chamberlain for the most by any player in league history.

So far in this series between the Nuggets and Lakers, Nikola Jokic is leading his team in points (29.5), rebounds (16.0), assists (8.5) and steals (2.0) per game while converting 61.5 percent of his shots from the floor and 42.9 percent of his shots from long range.

Perhaps the NBA’s investigation into Strahinja Jokic will inspire the brother of one of the league’s best talents to be on his best behavior when attending games in the future.

Share This Article
Jesse is an aspiring sports journalist that has previously worked as a staff writer at SB Nation’s CelticsBlog and The Knicks Wall.