Nikola Jokic fined, avoids suspension for shoving Suns owner

Despite fears across the league that Nikola Jokic could be suspended for his shove on Suns owner Mat Ishbia, the NBA has avoided going down that route and instead handed him a fine.

On Sunday night, Jokic was whistled for a technical foul when he hit Ishbia with an elbow while trying to snag the ball back from the Suns owner, who was sitting courtside.

The two-time NBA MVP will now be available for Game 5 on Tuesday night in Denver, with the second-round series tied at 2-2.

On his Twitter account Monday, Ishbia praised his team’s performance and urged no further disciplinary action for Jokic.

 “Great win for the Suns last night in an amazing series so far!” Ishbia posted.

“That should be and is the only story. Suspending or fining anyone over last night's incident would not be right. I have a lot of respect for Jokic and don’t want to see anything like that. Excited for game 5! Go Suns!”

Ishbia has only been in charge for a few months after purchasing the franchise from former owner Robert Sarver.