Denver Nuggets Star Nikola Jokić Ejected from Game Against Chicago Bulls

Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić was ejected from Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Bulls after receiving a technical foul in the first half. Jokić argued with referees over a missed foul call on Bulls center Nikola Vučević.

Nikola Jokić was ejected from the game after this play…

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Jokić, who was named the 2023 NBA Finals MVP, has been a key player for the Nuggets, helping them win last season’s league championship. He has also won back-to-back NBA MVP awards and is a five-time All-Star.

This season, Jokić is averaging 28.2 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 9.6 assists per game.

What Led to the Ejection?

During a fast break by the Bulls, Jokić expressed his frustration to official Mousa Dagher. Dagher allowed the play to finish before ejecting Jokić from the game. The exact reason for the ejection was not immediately clear, but sources say Jokić used profanity while arguing with the official.

In just 16 minutes of play, Jokić recorded four points, nine rebounds, and six assists. This is his second ejection in three weeks, as he was previously ejected in a game against the Detroit Pistons on November 22.

Reactions from Coach Malone and Jokić

Nuggets coach Mike Malone and Jokić both addressed the situation after the game.

“The official that tossed him asked me if I heard what he said, and I said I did not,” Malone said. “But he felt that the language used warranted an ejection, which surprised me.”

Jokić commented, “Sometimes what I said shouldn’t even be a technical. It is what it is. I crossed the line, but sometimes that word doesn’t cross the line.”

Crew chief Mark Lindsay provided an explanation for the ejection, stating that Jokić used profane language towards the official, which met the standard for an ejection.

Additional Reading

(Photo: Michael Reaves / Getty Images)