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Timberwolves Lead 3-1; Randle Fined $35K, Jokic Unpunished

4/28/2026

Summary

Julius Randle Fined

The NBA fined Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle $35,000 for entering the scrum and shoving in Game 4, keeping him eligible for Game 5.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic stormed the Timberwolves bench after Timberwolves guard Jaden McDaniels' late basket, creating a scramble.
The league investigated the incident and imposed no suspensions on either player.
The Timberwolves lead the series 3-1 as Game 5 returns to Colorado Monday night at 10:30 PM ET.

Summary

Dosunmu Scores

Ayo Dosunmu posted a career-high 43 points on 13-of-17 shooting in Game 4.
Donte DiVincenzo suffered an Achilles injury that ended his participation in the series.
Anthony Edwards incurred a knee injury during the game, limiting his effectiveness.
Rudy Gobert’s defensive pressure curtailed Nikola Jokic’s production, contributing to Denver’s loss.
ESPN analysts called Nikola Jokic’s post-game confrontation embarrassing for breaching the unwritten rule against scoring after a decided game.

Summary

Jokic Defends Confrontation

Nikola Jokic said he doesn’t regret confronting Jaden McDaniels and cited an unwritten rule to let the clock run.
The NBA investigation, with interviews and full footage review, will rule before Game 5 after the scuffle that began when McDaniels made a layup with 2.1 seconds left.
The league announced no further discipline, described Julius Randle’s conduct as forceful insertion and shoving Bruce Brown, and said the review continued on April 26.

History

Historical Context

After the November 19, 2004 “Malice at the Palace” brawl between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons sparked league-wide security upgrades and nine player suspensions totaling 146 games, the NBA now fined the Western Conference semifinal clash involving Nikola Jokic, Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels $35,000 with no suspensions, showing how disciplinary tactics have shifted.

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Julius Randle Fined

The NBA fined Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle $35,000 for entering the scrum and shoving in Game 4, keeping him eligible for Game 5.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic stormed the Timberwolves bench after Timberwolves guard Jaden McDaniels' late basket, creating a scramble.
The league investigated the incident and imposed no suspensions on either player.
The Timberwolves lead the series 3-1 as Game 5 returns to Colorado Monday night at 10:30 PM ET.

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