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Why Did Nikola Jokic’s Brother Punch Fan During Lakers-Nuggets Game? Exploring Possible Cause

Published 04/23/2024, 10:42 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Fans at the Ball Arena in Denver witnessed a thriller of a match between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers. However, some fans saw much more than they bargained for. While Nikola Jokić was battling it out with LeBron James and the Lakers on the court, his brothers, Nemanja and Strahinja got into a physical altercation with another fan.

In a shocking video, Nikola Jokić’s elder brother Strahinja could be seen throwing down a haymaker to a Laker fan. The 2x MVP’s wife, Natalija, could also be seen in the video. However, she was trying to hold back Strahinja and calm things down. Despite Natalija’s efforts, the two men continued to bark at each other. The incident occurred after Jamal Murray hit a game-winning buzzer-beater, which gave the Nuggets a 2-0 lead in the series. The motive behind Strahinja’s altercation with the Lakers fan is still unknown, but some fans have speculated that the fan may have said something unpleasant about Nikola Jokić.

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Some eye witness accounts even suggested that the Laker fan might have sparked things off by mouthing off to the Jokic brothers, knowing what might happen next.

Another social media user stated that several rules were broken, before calling the Laker fan “dumb,” for trying to fight one of the Jokic Brother.

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Despite defending their brother, both Strahinja and Nemanja may face some severe consequences if the NBA decides to investigate this incident. They could be banned from the games going forward, considering their most recent physical altercation with fans. Having said that, this latest incident isn’t their first rodeo. The Jokic brothers have quite a track record when it comes to getting into altercations, whether it’s with fans or players.

Jokic Brothers’ past transgressions

Considering that the Jokic Brothers grew up during one of the most violent periods in Serbian history, it’s wise for folks to think twice before trash-talking Nikola Jokić in their presence. In fact, Nemanja Jokic (middle brother) is an MMA fighter with a 3-0 record. However, their eagerness to defend Nikola hasn’t always earned them plaudits or praise.

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Back in 2021, Nikola Jokić severely injured then Miami Heat forward Markeiff Morris by striking him in the back. Jokic was criticized for his action, and some players from the Miami Heat even made threats of physical violence against him. The Jokic Brothers stepped in to defend their brother by tweeting out a stern warning. They wrote, “You should leave this the way it is instead of publicly threatening our brother! Your brother made a dirty play first. If you want to make a step further be sure we will be waiting for you !! Jokic Brothers.” 

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After their most recent transgression, many fans have called on the NBA to take severe actions against the Jokic Brothers. They feel that this would send out a message to other fans that the league has zero-tolerance for physical altercation at their games. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!

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Written by:

Dushyant Singh

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Dushyant Singh is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports. Ever since the Lakers’ Orlando Bubble victory, he has maintained a vigilant eye on the NBA with his research-heavy perspective, along with a specialization in covering predictive lineups. He keenly observes the evolving narratives that unfold each season.
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Edited by:

Saumya Khanduja