Story perspectives

NBA probes scuffle; Jokic, Randle fined, bench suspended

4/28/2026

Summary

Jokic Ejected

The NBA opened an investigation after a scuffle in Game 4 of Nuggets–Timberwolves series, which the Timberwolves won 112-96.
Nikola Jokic shoved Jaden McDaniels from half-court and was ejected, prompting a $50,000 fine for Jokic, a $35,000 fine for Julius Randle, who received an ejection for conduct.
Bench players left bench, risking suspensions, while rulings expected before Game 5 on Monday night in Denver leave Timberwolves missing Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo.

Summary

NBA Bench Leniency

The NBA applied its “leaving the bench” rule and did not suspend Aaron Gordon, Jonas Valanciunas, Rudy Gobert or Bones Hyland.
League officials said the players stayed outside the proximity threshold, so they received no fines.
Nikola Jokic and Julius Randle were fined despite the bench leniency.
The ruling differs from a 19-year-old precedent that forced Phoenix Suns rotation players to miss Game 5 after a bench incident.

History

Historical Context

The NBA’s zero-tolerance policy traces back to the Nov 19 2004 brawl at the Palace of Auburn Hills, where Pacers forward Ron Artest received an 86-game suspension after a fight with Pistons fans. That incident prompted league-wide security upgrades and harsher penalties, shaping today’s fines on Nikola Jokic and Julius Randle for bench-line violations.

1 of 3

Jokic Ejected

The NBA opened an investigation after a scuffle in Game 4 of Nuggets–Timberwolves series, which the Timberwolves won 112-96.
Nikola Jokic shoved Jaden McDaniels from half-court and was ejected, prompting a $50,000 fine for Jokic, a $35,000 fine for Julius Randle, who received an ejection for conduct.
Bench players left bench, risking suspensions, while rulings expected before Game 5 on Monday night in Denver leave Timberwolves missing Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo.

1 / 3