Full Breakdown
NBA Investigates End-Game Scuffle as Nuggets-Timberwolves Series Heads to Game 5
4/27/2026, 2:07:31 AM
Scuffle at Game 4 and Unwritten Rule Context
With 1.3 seconds left in Game 4 of the Western Conference first-round series, Minnesota held a 112-96 lead when forward Jaden McDaniels made an uncontested layup. Denver center Nikola Jokic ran from mid-court, shoved McDaniels, and a bench-level altercation erupted. Both Jokic and Timberwolves forward Julius Randle were ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct. The NBA announced an investigation on Saturday, promising rulings before Game 5 on Monday. The play violated the unwritten convention that a team with the game in hand should run out the clock. The series stands at 3-1 in Minnesota’s favor.
Key Participants and Statistics
The incident involved Nikola Jokic (Denver, three-time MVP) and Jaden McDaniels (Minnesota). Bench players observed leaving the bench include Denver’s Aaron Gordon and possibly Jonas Valanciunas; Minnesota’s likely violators are Rudy Gobert, Bones Hyland and Naz Reid. Jokic shot 8-of-22 (39.1 % FG, 18.5 % 3-pt) with four turnovers. The final score was 112-96. NBA rules require bench players to stay near the bench, with violations punishable by at least one-game suspension and fines up to $50,000. A playoff roster must list nine players.
League Investigation
NBA officials confirmed a review that includes player and official interviews and video analysis. ESPN’s Shams Charania said the league expects rulings before Game 5. The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski referenced the bench-violation rule. Jokic indicated he does not regret confronting McDaniels and affirmed the unwritten rule.
Criticism & Opposition
Nuggets coach David Adelman voiced displeasure with McDaniels' late shot, calling it unnecessary. McDaniels defended his action, saying he intended to score before the clock expired.
Unclear Bench Violations
Replays suggest Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert, Bones Hyland and possibly Naz Reid left the bench, but no definitive identification is provided. Denver’s Aaron Gordon is confirmed to have left the bench; Jonas Valanciunas remained off-court without intervening. The exact list of violators remains unresolved.
Direct Quotes
- “Someone stole my underwear.” — Nikola Jokic, Nuggets center
- “He scored when everybody stopped playing.” — Nikola Jokic, Nuggets center
- “I didn’t like what McDaniels did.” — David Adelman, Nuggets coach
- “The clock still be running, so I’m about to go score.” — Jaden McDaniels, Timberwolves forward
- “The NBA investigation is underway into the Denver Nuggets-Minnesota Timberwolves scuffle Saturday night, including interviews with involved players and officials and review of the footage.” — Shams Charania, ESPN reporter
Implications and Upcoming Game 5
If the league issues suspensions, bench depth could be further reduced for Game 5, which decides whether the Nuggets can avoid elimination. Minnesota already faces the loss of Anthony Edwards (bone bruise, hyperextended knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (right-Achilles rupture, surgery on Sunday). A suspension of Jokic would be a major blow for Denver. Game 5 is scheduled for 9:42 p.m. CT on Monday, and the NBA’s disciplinary decision will be announced before tip-off.
