Report: NBA investigating Nikola Jokić’s brother for allegedly punching fan after Nuggets’ Game 2 win over Lakers

The NBA is investigating after Strahinja Jokić, the brother of Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić, appeared to punch a fan shortly after the Nuggets’ win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, according to The Athletic.

The altercation happened in the aftermath of Jamal Murray’s buzzer-beater to lift the Nuggets to a 101-99 win over the Lakers in Game 2 of their opening-round playoff series on Monday night at Ball Arena. Strahinja and Nemanja Jokić, who is the third Jokić brother, are seen approaching two men in the stands in Denver and confronting them. It’s unclear what led to the confrontation or what was said, but Strahinja then appeared to throw a punch that hit the fan in the head.

The single punch seemed to be the end of it, and the two sides then left.

According to TMZ, Denver police are also investigating the incident, though no report has been filed.

The incident is far from the first involving Jokić’s brothers. Strahinja and Nemanja took to social media in 2021 after Jokić was suspended for shoving Miami Heat forward Markieff Morris and threatened Morris multiple times. The pair are frequently sitting courtside at Nuggets games, too, and aren’t afraid to get involved in the action anytime something pops up. For example, they screamed at Phoenix Suns players after a scuffle broke out during a game in 2021.

Strahinja was arrested for allegedly choking and pushing a woman during a domestic dispute in 2019. Per The Athletic, he pleaded guilty to a lesser misdemeanor count and felony trespassing a year later, and the remaining charges were dismissed.

It’s unclear how the NBA will handle the altercation on Monday night, or if it will hand down some sort of punishment. In theory, the league could ban the brothers from attending games for a set amount of time.

Jokić finished with a triple-double with 27 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists in Monday’s win. It marked his fourth career playoff game with at least 25 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists, something that only three other players in league history have accomplished.

Game 3 of the series is set for Thursday night in Los Angeles.