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NBA Fines Jokic, Randle $85K After Game 4 Brawl

4/27/2026

Summary

Jokic Ejected

The NBA fined Denver center Nikola Jokic $50,000 and Minnesota forward-center Julius Randle $35,000 for the Game 4 altercation.
After Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels’ layup with 1.3 seconds left, Jokic rushed the court; both received technical fouls, were ejected, but are eligible for Game 5.
The Timberwolves lead the series 3-1 after a 112-96 win despite injuries to Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo; Game 5 is Monday night at Denver’s Ball Arena, 9:30 p.m. CT.

Summary

NBA Bench Rule

The NBA’s bench-exit rule now lets officials weigh a player’s distance from an altercation before imposing a suspension.
In Game 4, several players left the bench but avoided suspension because officials applied the revised proximity standard, echoing a similar Clippers-series incident last season.
Officials referenced the 20-year-old Suns case, noting that distance traveled and level of participation now guide disciplinary decisions.

Summary

Jokic Chases McDaniels

Nikola Jokic chased McDaniels after the late layup and said he does not regret it, citing the unwritten rule to dribble out the final possession.
Nuggets coach David Adelman said he did not like what McDaniels did after the layup.
Analysts warned that suspending Jokic would be the biggest punishment and could cripple Denver in Game 5.
McDaniels said he shot because the clock was still running and he wanted to score.

History

Historical Context

The Nov 19 2004 “Malice at the Palace” between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons saw Ron Artest charge the stands after fan John Green threw a drink, leading to a league-wide brawl and an 86-game suspension for Artest. That incident forced the NBA to tighten conduct rules, a policy foundation for the bench-exit rule applied in the 2024 Nuggets-Timberwolves Game 4.

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Jokic Ejected

The NBA fined Denver center Nikola Jokic $50,000 and Minnesota forward-center Julius Randle $35,000 for the Game 4 altercation.
After Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels’ layup with 1.3 seconds left, Jokic rushed the court; both received technical fouls, were ejected, but are eligible for Game 5.
The Timberwolves lead the series 3-1 after a 112-96 win despite injuries to Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo; Game 5 is Monday night at Denver’s Ball Arena, 9:30 p.m. CT.

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