Full Breakdown
Nuggets-Timberwolves Game 4 Scuffle Results in Fines, No Suspensions
4/28/2026, 7:53:57 AM
Late-Game Scuffle
With 1.3 seconds left in Game 4 on April 25, 2026, Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels made an uncontested layup to seal a 112-96 win. Denver center Nikola Jokic ran the length of the court, confronted and shoved McDaniels. Timberwolves forward Julius Randle then shoved Nuggets guard-forward Bruce Brown. Bench players—including Aaron Gordon, Jonas Valanciunas, Rudy Gobert and Bones Hyland—left their benches. Both Jokic and Randle received technical fouls, ejections, and later fines.
Series Context
The Western Conference first-round series is now 3-1 in Minnesota’s favor. Denver, the defending champion, faces elimination; a win in Game 5 in Denver would clinch the series for the Timberwolves.
Timeline
- April 25 – Game 4 ends with the scuffle.
- April 26 – NBA completes its investigation and announces fines.
- April 27 – Game 5 scheduled for 9:30 p.m. CT at Ball Arena, Denver.
Fines and Injuries
NBA Communications confirmed fines of $50,000 for Jokic and $35,000 for Randle. No suspensions were imposed. Minnesota entered Game 5 without guard Anthony Edwards (bone bruise, hyper-extended knee) and forward Donte DiVincenzo (torn Achilles). Denver’s roster remains intact aside from the fines.
Official NBA Response
Executive Vice President James Jones said Jokic “initiated the incident by confronting and shoving” McDaniels and Randle “escalated the incident by forcefully inserting himself into the scrum and shoving” Bruce Brown. The league noted that the current “leaving the bench” rule evaluates proximity and intent, allowing penalties without automatic suspension.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts argued that the bench-departure rule should have triggered automatic one-game suspensions, referencing the 2009 Phoenix Suns precedent. Others defended the league’s discretion as a move toward proportional discipline rather than blanket bans.
On-the-Ground Account
Eyewitnesses reported Jokic sprinting the full court, McDaniels grabbing Jokic’s jersey, and Randle shoving Brown amid a “mosh-pit” of players and coaches. No punches were thrown, and officials restored order quickly.
Conflicting Reports
Early SI coverage suggested possible bench suspensions, while the NBA’s final statement confirmed none. Sources also differ on which bench players left the vicinity, leaving a minor gap in the official record.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don't regret it because he scored after everybody stopped playing,” — Nikola Jokic
- “I just seen someone who was big as hell.” — Jaden McDaniels
- “I don’t know. We’re just ready for Game 5, you know, simple as that,” — Julius Randle
- “I didn't like what McDaniels did,” — David Adelman, Nuggets coach
- “Of note in investigation: NBA altered leaving the bench rule a few years ago. No longer as strict as Suns ruling 20 years ago. Takes into account distance player traveled and extent in which they entered immediate proximity of altercation,” — Anthony Slater, ESPN
What’s Next
Game 5 on Monday will decide whether the Timberwolves advance or the Nuggets force a Game 6. The league’s handling of this incident may shape future bench-departure reviews as the playoffs continue.
